Fantasy Baseball Spring Training News and Notes for 3/2/16

Chapman's Suspension Results in Big Opportunity for Miller

Aroldis Chapman is the first target of Major League Baseball's new Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. Recently reported that Chapman faces an upcoming suspension, the New York Yankees' biggest offseason acquisition will be suspended for 30 games. Chapman has already agreed to not appeal the suspension and will be eligible to return to regular season action on May 9th against the defending champions at Yankees Stadium.

Chapman will still be allowed to compete in all Grapefruit League Games, and although a loss on the field, it's one that shouldn't be tremendously felt in the Yankees clubhouse and the fantasy world. Andrew Miller is no slouch, especially after converting 36 of 38 save opportunities last season, and will likely keep Chapman's seat warm until he makes his debut in pinstripes. Dellin Betances also looms, and he and Miller's fantasy value will see a boost for all of April. There should be no reason to avoid drafting Chapman, as long as two other closers are already set in your lineup.

Cruz's Sore Knee: Too Early to Tell  

Nelson Cruz has missed the Seattle Mariners first spring training contest because of a sore left knee. This shouldn't worry fantasy owners or hurt his fantasy value as he and manager Scott Servais have assured that the injury is no biggie and Cruz should return to the lineup later in the week.

"I was working out and my calf started getting tight, and then next thing I know, my knee was bugging me a little bit," Cruz told reporters, according to MLB.com. "It was good for the last three weeks, but the first day I came here I felt it a little bit."

Cruz's progress should be updated over the next couple of days.

Severino Lit Up: Cause for Concern?

Luis Severino was tagged for five runs over 1.1 innings pitched against the Detroit Tigers in his first spring training start.  The damage came on a grand slam off the bat of catcher Bryan Holaday. Severino also struggled with command, giving up two walks in the second inning. This all came after Severino shut down the first four batters faced in order.

Severino, who allowed nine home runs in only 11 starts last season, will need to keep the ball in the yard and improve as spring training progresses to ensure himself a trustworthy starter for both fantasy lineups and the Yankees. This definitely isn't the start the Yankees envisioned considering their pitching staff already has enough surrounding question marks.

Nathan Eovaldi and Masahiro Tanaka have yet to face live batters. Eovaldi has been held back by a sore groin. The Yankees are being careful with Tanaka after a 2015 season plagued by injuries, but their ace recently threw a 61-pitch bullpen session on Sunday.

With Maybin's Injury, Starting Spot Now Gose's to Lose

The center field job in Detroit was up for grabs, to be competed over by Cameron Maybin and Anthony Gose. But after Maybin injured his shoulder at his home in the offseason, the starting spot could very well be handed over to Gose.

Maybin and Gose provide speed as a late pick in deeper league drafts, while Maybin also provides some power. Both finished the 2015 season with 23 stolen bases. Maybin hit a career high 10 home runs last year.

Although not detrimental to fantasy lineups, stolen bases and consistency on the base paths are hard to come by. Maybin started at DH on Wednesday against the Yankees, but because of his shoulder, Gose's fantasy value is now higher. Keep an eye on the status of both throughout March.

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