MARCH 14, 2021•CHICAGOTRIBUNE.COM
Yasmani Grandal ‘was a rookie in terms of enthusiasm’ when the Chicago White Sox catcher made his Cactus League debut after right knee inflammationChicago White Sox manager Tony La Russa said Yasmani Grandal was "a rookie in terms of enthusiasm" during his first Cactus League game Satur...
Roughed up in start SaturdayOhtani pitched 2.1 innings against the White Sox in a Cactus League contest Saturday, allowing five runs on six hits and one walk while striking out four.
ImpactOhtani looked good in the first frame, allowing one hit but striking out two batters. Things fell apart in the second, however, as Ohtani allowed five straight hitters to reach base before being pulled for a reliever. He ended up being charged with five runs in the frame, then came back out for the third inning (modified spring training rules allow such a move to take place) and got two outs before calling it a day. While the right-hander's outing certainly wasn't pretty, the good news is that he emerged from the appearance feeling fine, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com, and touched 99 mph with his fastball. Ohtani's ability to throw heat this spring is encouraging given his recent arm issues, and he has now struck out nine batters over four total innings. Fantasy managers looking to invest in Ohtani may be wise to focus more on his velocity and arm strength than the final box score in a meaningless spring training game, though a strong performance his next time out -- currently slated for next Sunday against San Diego -- could help ease concerns about the oft-injured hurler.
MARCH 14, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Pushing for roster spotLagares is slashing .500/.529/.563 with three stolen bases and two RBI this spring, and he remains a candidate for the Angels' fourth-outfielder role, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic...
ImpactLagares is in camp as a non-roster invitee on a minor-league deal, but he may be cementing an Opening Day roster spot with his stellar spring. The 31-year-old is a career .254 hitter and has never demonstrated much power, so his fantasy appeal is minimal. However, Lagares' strong defense and above-average speed could make him an appealing reserve option for the Angels.
MARCH 14, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Still not playing outfieldMarsh has yet to get any defensive reps this spring, but he is expected to make his outfield debut in about a week, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports.
ImpactMarsh has been held back defensively as he continues to recover from a shoulder labrum injury that he suffered last season. However, the 23-year-old has been swinging the bat, going 2-for-8 with a triple and an RBI in a DH role. It appears that he'll be ready to play the field soon, allowing him to potentially test the shoulder in Cactus League action. Marsh is expected to be moved to the team's alternate training site prior to Opening Day and to kick off the campaign at Triple-A. He could get his first big-league call-up this season.
MARCH 14, 2021•ROTOWIRE
Moves past groin injuryFoster retired one of the five hitters he faced in his Cactus League debut during Saturday's 6-5 win over the Angels, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks.
ImpactAccording to James Fegan of The Athletic, Foster said that a tweaked groin was behind his delayed start to spring training, but he appears to be healthy again after the White Sox cleared him to make his first appearance of 2021. Foster attributed his poor results Saturday to relying too much of his remodeled slider, so he'll look to iron things out over his remaining handful of relief appearances before Opening Day. Foster was a key piece in the White Sox bullpen as a rookie last season, posting a 2.20 ERA and 0.87 WHIP over 28.2 innings.
MARCH 14, 2021•ROTOWIRE
LA Angels: When will Jo Adell be ready for the big leagues?With young talent waiting for their shot in the big leagues, the future of the Angels outfield is bright. Among the players to keep a close...
MARCH 14, 2021•HALOHANGOUT.COM
Dealing with knee contusionAdell was diagnosed with a bruised knee after exiting Saturday's Cactus League game against the White Sox, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reports.
ImpactThe young outfielder was fortunate to avoid a more serious injury after he collided with a wall while tracking a flyball. The Angels described his removal from Saturday's contest as precaution, and though he'll remain out of the lineup Sunday against the Cubs, Adell should be cleared to play within the next few days. He's slated to complete a light workout Sunday and is considered day-to-day.
MARCH 14, 2021•ROTOWIRE
