Fantasy Baseball Spring Training News and Notes from 3/22/16

Kevin Gausman Likely Starting Season on DL   

Gausman, a promising young boost to the Baltimore Orioles pitching rotation, is in line to miss his first, and even maybe his second, start of the 2016 season. Locked in as the O's fifth starter, Gausman would have been set to take the mound on April 10th. If he starts the season on the DL, he won't be eligible to return until April 11th.

This spells trouble for Baltimore considering they'll need to find a spot-starter soley for that game, but this shouldn't worry those looking to draft Gausman late in drafts. Rest will do the young righty some good as he continues to battle with shoulder tendinitis. He received a cortisone injection on Sunday to help alleviate the pain.

Gausman started spring on a positive note, pitching two scoreless frames in his first start, although he allowed three runs in four innings during his more recent appearance before being sidelined. His status will surely be updated within the next week.

Jose Fernandez Looks Ready for 2016  

Fernandez has not stayed healthy for an entire season since his rookie campaign in 2013, but his ERA has remained below 3.00 in all three of his stints in the big leagues. After getting tagged for six runs over 3.2 innings during his previous spring start, Fernandez bounced back with dominance; a potential preview for what's in store for opposing batters in 2016.

Facing the Boston Red Sox earlier today, Fernandez cruised through five innings of hitless ball, allowing only one baserunner, a first-inning walk to Travis Shaw, over an economical 60 pitches. His fastball topped at 98 MPH, and he complimented his speed with movement, using his curveball efficiently.

Fernandez is undeniably the ace of Miami's pitching staff, despite being prone to injuries. However, the Marlins opted to make Wei-Yin Chen Opening Day starter. Fernandez will pitch in Miami's second game.

This does not affect Fernandez's fantasy value, as he is the ninth best starting pitcher on RotoBaller. As long as he can stay healthy, all signs point to a long awaited breakout season for Fernandez. He should be targeted in the fifth or six round.

Lower Back Tightness Impedes Daniel Norris' Progress  

With only 66.2 innings worth of experience over two short seasons, Norris was competing for the fifth spot in the Detroit Tigers rotation. His part in that competition will now be put on hold.

Norris exited Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays with lower back tightness. He didn't make it out of the first inning. Norris had already allowed four runs in six innings of work spread out across three appearances. His previous scheduled start was already pushed back because of the same injury, and now his role on the team hangs in the balance.

Shane Greene and Matt Boyd, both vying for the same spot as Norris, have performed better thus far. It's likely safe to say Norris can now be ignored in fantasy, especially if the tightness in his back continues to linger. Ranked outside the top 100 of RotoBaller's fantasy starting pitchers, Norris is too much of a liability and is still unproven in a consistent starter role.

Andre Ethier Suffers Tibia Fracture 

After fouling a pitch off his right shin last Friday, Ethier will now miss 10-14 weeks due to a fracture in his tibia.

Ethier is ranked inside the top 100 of RotoBaller fantasy outfielders and would have been worth a late look in deeper mixed league drafts. He has solid pop in his bat and was projected to hit sixth behind Yasiel Puig and Adrian Gonzalez in a talented Dodgers lineup.

Now with Ethier starting the season on the DL, a door opens for Trayce Thompson to make the ball club. Acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the offseason, Thompson displayed some talent, posting five home runs, 16 RBI's and a .295 batting average in 44 games. Neither Ethier or Thompson are huge fantasy threats, but the value of guys like Puig, Joc Pederson, and Enrique Hernandez could certainly increase.

Thompson could prove to be an early season pick up, but he likely can be ignored in all drafts.

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