Fantasy Baseball Spring Training News and Notes for 3/27/16

Will Smith Tears Ligament in Right Knee

Smith has learned that injuries also happen off the field, in the unlikeliest of ways. One half of the Milwaukee Brewers closer-committee will now miss an extended amount of time after tearing the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, simply by removing a shoe off his foot. This was going to be Smith's first season to prove his worth in a closer role. Now, ninth-inning duties fall solely on the lap of Jeremy Jeffress.

Smith's return to action depends on whether he'll need surgery or not. Although, Brewers manager Craig Counsel assured the media that he wouldn't miss the entire season, according to MLB.com.

Once a late-round sleeper candidate and a saves-threat for fantasy lineups, Smith should now be ignored in all drafts, but could serve as a solid midseason pickup. Jeffress, whose value has now seen a sudden boost, should be considered as a second or third closer. The Brew Crew struggle to put runs on the board, which could lead to closer games and plenty of save opportunities.

Yasiel Puig Misses Saturday's Game 

With Puig's history of injuries, this early in his short career, the Los Angeles Dodgers can't be feeling too comfortable with the most recent. Puig was scratched from Saturday's contest because of a tight left hamstring and is now day-to-day.

It appears that Puig could have aggravated the hamstring Friday night after sprinting to second on a double hit in the gap, where he left the game with a trainer at his side. According to MLB.com, Dave Roberts said that Puig woke up Saturday with tightness, but still wanted to take the field.

Puig spent nearly two months on the DL last season due to a strained left hamstring; something that might not bode well with the Dodgers and fantasy owners. Prior to these two incidents, Puig had started spring healthy. There is now a possibility that the tightness could linger, affecting his fantasy value. Likely to be targeted early in standard and dynasty league drafts, keep an eye on his status as it'll likely be updated within the next couple of days.

Albert Pujols Leaves Game, Returns Next Day

Albert Pujols left Friday's game against the Oakland Athletics after getting plunked in his surgically repaired right foot. Listed as day-to-day, the future hall-of-famer was back on the field on Saturday, and didn't appear to be affected at all.

Leading off the second inning of Saturday's game against the San Diego Padres, Pujols launched a shot deep to left; his fourth long ball of spring training.

Any worry regarding Pujols Opening Day status or draft value has been quickly erased. Pujols provides plenty of production and can sneak onto a lineup around the 10th or 11th round of standard drafts.

Justin Upton Goes Deep Twice 

It took him a while to get going, but Upton's first home run in a Tigers uniform was followed with a second. Upton had been struggling thus far into spring on his new team, striking out 15 times to go with his .189 batting average.

Upton signed a six year contract with Detroit in the offseason, and has finally begun to prove that he could be well worth it. Upton added two more hits on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies, and is beginning to find his grove at the right time.

Known to be a streaky hitter for a majority of his career, look for Upton to ride this sudden burst of momentum into the regular season. Upton is listed 12th on RotoBaller's outfielder rankings, and should be targeted around the fourth round. He now has plenty of protection with names like Ian Kinsler, J.D. Martinez, and Miguel Cabrera surrounding him on a formidable Tigers lineup.

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