Welcome to another edition of the Grapefruit League Report! As news continues to pile up with every spring training game, we’re here to help you sort through the noise and keep you focused on what you need to know for fantasy baseball. There’s a lot to go over, including injury updates and a heavy dose of pitcher news, so let’s get to it.
Grapefruit League News and Notes
Baltimore Orioles
Craig Kimbrel (RP)
Craig Kimbrel has coughed up a home run in each of his two outings, surrendering five earned runs on seven hits across two innings of work. Blech. It could be something. Or nothing. But Yennier Cano is waiting in the wings if it’s something.
Boston Red Sox
Lucas Giolito (SP), Kenley Jansen (RP), Tyler O’Neill (OF)
Lucas Giolito was diagnosed with a partially torn UCL earlier in the week, but he’ll get a second opinion on Monday. Giolito could miss the entire 2024 season and should be off your draft boards.
Kenley Jansen is looking to make his Grapefruit League debut sometime next week after being delayed with right lat soreness this spring. Barring a setback, Jansen should open the season as the Red Sox’s closer. Be sure to handcuff him with Chris Martin in drafts.
Tyler O’Neill is dealing with calf tightness but should be ready to roll on Monday. Hopefully, there’s nothing to see here. But watch his progress next week, as O’Neill has racked up his fair share of frequent flyer miles on the IL.
New York Mets
Jeff McNeil (2B)
Jeff McNeil gets the green light to hit this weekend after being shut down with bicep soreness. It likely needs to be smooth sailing from here on out for McNeil to be ready Opening Day. Joey Wendle would get a bump in playing time if McNeil isn’t ready to go.
New York Yankees
Carlos Rodon (SP)
Carlos Rodon was hit hard in his latest outing, giving up two home runs (three earned runs) and five hits across three innings of work. More importantly, his velocity was down 2.1 ticks. Rodon can certainly turn things around, but this doesn’t give you the warm and fuzzies.
Philadelphia Phillies
Taijuan Walker (SP)
Taijuan Walker is dealing with right knee soreness and is expected to make his Grapefruit League debut on Monday. He’s an innings eater best suited for 15-team leagues and deeper.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Mitch Keller (SP), Jared Jones (SP)
Mitch Keller is coming off back-to-back shaky spring outings. It’s worth monitoring, especially since his velocity was down in his last appearance. Keller had a breakout 2023 season, registering an 18.8% K-BB% across a career-high 194.1 innings. For what it’s worth, Keller told reporters he was more concerned about refining his pitches and less worried about the velocity drop. Keep tabs.
Jared Jones is in the mix for an Opening Day rotation spot. The Pirates’ No. 3 prospect has thrown 4.2 scoreless innings this spring, with his fastball touching triple digits. Jones totaled 126.1 innings across Double- and Triple-A in 2023, so he should be able to take on a decent workload in the majors. Jones is well worth a dart throw in 15-teamers, even with the Eric Lauer signing.
St. Louis Cardinals
Laars Nootbaar (OF), Tommy Edman (2B/SS/OF)
Laars Nootbaar was diagnosed with two non-displaced fractures in his rib and will likely be sidelined for a couple of weeks. The Cardinals have not ruled Nootbaar out for Opening Day, but it could be an uphill battle. If Nootbaar is unavailable to start the season, Alec Burleson should get an early boost in playing time.
Sticking with injuries, Tommy Edman is doubtful for Opening Day. The news isn’t surprising, as Edman hasn’t been cleared to face live pitching while recovering from offseason wrist surgery. It’s uncertain how long Edman will be out, which means Dylan Carlson could get a significant playing time boost.
Toronto Blue Jays
Joey Votto (1B), Kevin Gausman (SP), Alek Manoah (SP), Ricky Tiedemann (SP)
Joey Votto is coming home! The Canadian signed a non-roster invitee contract with Toronto. He may not break camp with the club, but I wish him the best. Joey Votto is a treasure.
Kevin Gausman is dealing with shoulder soreness and hopes to throw off the mound Monday. While an MRI showed no structural damage, it’s mildly concerning that Gausman has yet to pitch in a game this spring. Keep tabs.
Alek Manoah can’t shake his shoulder soreness and will likely not be ready for Opening Day. Bowden Francis, Mitch White, and Paulo Espino are possible fill-in candidates, but Francis could have the leg up. Across eight innings of work this spring, he’s given up three earned runs, kept the ball in the park, and posted a healthy 10:2 K:BB ratio.
Ricky Tiedemann will make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday. A hamstring injury has delayed Toronto’s top prospect, and he’ll likely start the season in the minors. But Tiedemann is only an injury call away from making his MLB debut.
Washington Nationals
Dylan Crews (OF)
Earlier in the week, we highlighted James Wood‘s hot spring. Now it’s Dylan Crews‘ turn. Crews has been cruising this spring, slashing .267/.421/.600 with one home run, two doubles, and a couple of steals across nine games. While he’ll likely open the season in Triple-A, Crews is an immediate add when he gets called up this summer. Keep him on your radar.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.