Sometimes spring training means nothing, and sometimes spring training means everything. In this article, we'll break down the top five risers and top five fallers in fantasy during his final week of spring training. Instead of trying to make it big with a long and boring intro, get straight to the point.
Riser and Foles at MLB Spring Training
riser
1. Jackson Merrill (OF, SS – SD)
The Padres announced that Jackson Merrill will be out of camp after hitting back-to-back home runs this week, raising his spring rushing line to .351/.400/.595 in 37 at-bats.
2. Sedan Raffaella (OF – BOS)
Sedanne Raffaella hit some bombs this week, and now there's talk that he could run with a CF job, or that Vaughn Grissom could drop out and play 2B. He had 4 hits for 14 at bats this week (as of Thursday, March 14), two doubles, and two home runs.
3. Nick Nastrini (SP – CWS) & Garrett Crochet (SP – CWS)
I was already eyeing Nick Nastrini for the Champions League draft going into the spring, and he had a good camp and impressed in the upper echelons. So is Garrett Crochet. With the Dylan trade cancelled, it appears that both players could break up the White Sox rotation camp. Nastrini had zero ER this week with 7 K and 3 BB in 3 IP (this spring he had 9 K, 2 H, 2 BB in 7 IP). Crochet, on the other hand, had zero ER with his 7 K and 0 BB in 5 1/3 IP (12 K, 7 H, 0 BB in 9 IP this spring).
4. Henry Davis (C, OF – PIT)
Henry Davis slowed down a bit this week with one home run, but that was due to Yasmani Grandal being out with a foot issue, which allowed Davis to qualify as a catcher early in the season and avoid the risk of demotion. There is a growing possibility that the opening will take place.
5. Shota Imanaga (SP – CHC)
Shota Imanaga had a phenomenal performance against the Athletics on Thursday, scoring 9Ks and for the week, he got 14Ks in 7 1/3 IP against two BBs. Stock up…even if it was just Athletics, he'd probably move up the overall tier for me.
falls
1. Injured pitcher:
- Gerrit Cole (SP – NYY) — Look for him in June as he will be out approximately 10-12 weeks with the recommendation of non-surgical elbow rehabilitation.
- Devin Williams (RP – MIL) — He has been out for three months with a lower back injury, leaving his role as the Brewers' closer until the second half.
- Edward Cabrera SP – MIA) — Shoulder impingement. Based on my research, he's probably going to be out for a month or two, losing momentum to his rotation spot.
- Taj Bradley (SP – TB) — He has strained his pectoral muscle and will likely be sidelined for six to eight weeks until he is back at full speed and ready for the rotation.
2. Drew Thorpe (SP – CWS)
A trade to the White Sox would be even worse for his development, a worse path to the majors (more young competition), and a worse ballpark for him to pitch. I still expect Drew Thorpe to be called up by June, but the Padres offered a better deal. The ballpark, the defense and the team around him. Side note: In pre-trades in his Padres debut, his velo was a few ticks down from an average of about 92 miles per hour (MPH).
3. Wylier Abreu (OF – BOS)
Wylier Abreu was 0-15 this week (as of Thursday, March 14th) with eight strikeouts. His competition at Sedanne Raffaella appears to be running away with the CF job. He has four hits in 36 at-bats this spring, and his lackluster performance has kept him on the bench, so to speak.
4. Dominic Fletcher (OF – CWS)
Dominic Fletcher, who was early on as a top RF option after the White Sox traded for pitcher prospect Cristian Mena, went 2-for-16 this week with eight strikeouts (March 14) As of Thursday), he had six strikeouts. This spring's -35 is good for a slash line of .171/.275/.229. You should watch out for Gavin Sheets and Kevin Pillar.
5. Tommy Henry (SP – ARI)
Tommy Henry was buried in competition with Ryne Nelson for Arizona State's fifth rotation spot as he allowed 10 ERs and recorded just three K's in 6 1/3 IP this week. . On the other side of this competition, Nelson has 14 Ks in 11 2/3 IP this spring, with only two BBs and only four ERs.
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