MLB Quick Hits: Span's surgery, V-Mart's progress

By John Halpin
Published

Nationals OF Denard Span had surgery on Monday to repair a right core muscle injury. Span is expected to resume baseball activities in four to six weeks, so he could miss the entire month of April. Prospect Michael Taylor is expected to fill in for Span, and after hitting 22 home runs with 34 stolen bases in 98 games at Double A last season, he's an intriguing early-season option for NL-only leagues. Taylor also strikes out ALL THE TIME, so temper your expectations.

In other news ...

Tigers DH Victor Martinez (knee) had a solid batting practice session on Monday. V-Mart being in the lineup on Opening Day is still a possibility.

Phillies SP Cliff Lee said Monday that if his elbow needs surgery, it could end his season and perhaps his career. 

Yankees DH/3B/pariah Alex Rodriguez went two-for-three on Monday, and now has four hits in nine at bats this spring. Spring stats don't always tell us a lot, but the idea that A-Rod might be washed up after his year off seems less likely with every hit.

Reds C Devin Mesoraco is out indefinitely with a concussion after getting hit in the mask by a foul tip over the weekend. Mesoraco is already doing light aerobic exercises, so this issue doesn't sound too serious.

In other Reds' news, there's a six-man battle for the final two spots in their rotation. I'd like to cast my vote for Tony Cingrani and his high K rate.

Indians 1B/OF Brandon Moss homered in his spring debut on Monday. He's going to hit 30 more of those during the regular season.

In other Indians' news, SP Gavin Floyd had an MRI on Monday because he was "feeling some things," according to manager Terry Francona. It's probably nothing to worry about, but Floyd probably isn't a fantasy consideration in any format (I'll avoid him in my AL-only league). Some smart fantasy analysts are talking up lefty ground-baller T.J. House, who is battling for the No. 5 rotation slot.

This morning's Yu Darvish update is ... that there's no official update. He's still likely to miss the 2015 season.

Cardinals SP Michael Wacha whiffed four of the six Red Sox batters he faced on Monday. Hopefully, he'll bounce back from last season's shoulder injury.

Potential Blue Jays closer Brett Cecil will resume throwing today after missing more than a week with a sore shoulder. In other Jays' news, Maicer Izturis appears to be the favorite to start at second base. Many fantasy owners have been losing sleep over the titanic battle between Izturis and Ryan Goins, so we'll provide updates as often as possible.

Giants SP Matt Cain tossed two scoreless innings in his spring debut on Monday. As the 61st starter off the board (per the NFBC ADP), would you take a shot at Cain?

The Astros' website reports that defensive standout Jake Marisnick could win the center-field job. The Astros signed Colby Rasmus for $8 million during the offseason, so Marisnick's fortunes seem most likely to impact 1B Jon Singleton, as Evan Gattis could shift to first base with Rasmus playing left field. That's an educated guess, and not based on anything the Astros have said.

See you back here tomorrow morning.