Hunter Stratton

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed pitcher Hunter Stratton (knee) is expected to begin a running progression soon. The 28-year-old has already begun throwing off the mound. Stratton is still recovering from the ruptured patella tendon in his left knee he suffered last August. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in the coming weeks. If he is knee can hold up during his running progression, he could have a viable path to return to before Opening Day. Last season, Stratton logged 37 2/3 innings of relief in the Pittsburgh bullpen. He posted a 3.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. He tallied 33 punchouts and showed elite command with a 4.4 percent walk rate. He also generated an excellent 31.3 percent hard-hit rate and 6.1 percent barrel rate. When healthy, fantasy managers should expect Stratton to have a high-leverage role in the bullpen.