Joe Wieland

Tommy John surgery, performed in July of 2012, is at the crux of Wieland’s stalled career, which prompted nearly two years without competition at any level of baseball. His debut last season was delayed due to a cleanup procedure performed late in the spring to address lingering irritation in his right elbow, but after logging nine minor league appearances across three affiliates between mid-July and late August, Wieland was granted his first major league start in exactly 28 months on Sept. 6. While he gave up at least one run in all four contests, he collected his first major league victory in the last nod with three earned runs and five strikeouts scattered across 5.1 innings. Traded to the Dodgers in December, Wieland will likely begin the season at Triple-A with the chance of moving into the rotation if injuries deplete the team's depth.

Wieland's recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in July of 2012 drew to a close by the end of 2013, when he pitched an inning during the Arizona Fall League. Prior to the development, a stress reaction to the ulnar bone in his right arm was the cause of setbacks in his recovery effort during the summer, but he seems poised to vie for a rotation spot in spring training. A wait-and see approach may be the best route to take, though, due to the healthy bodies expected to compose the five initial starters.

Wieland made five starts for the Padres in 2012, before he suffered an elbow injury that he attempted to rehab from. The rehab was short-lived as he suffered a setback in his throwing program that resulted in ligament damage to his elbow that needed Tommy John surgery to repair. He ended up having the surgery in late July and has a shot at coming back sometime late in the 2013 season. Prior to last season, Wieland had spent his entire career in the Rangers' farm system, where he rose through the ranks thanks to good control of his pitches. His ability to miss bats was never elite and thus limited his ceiling as a prospect. If he can recapture some of that form in 2013 through his rehab, he may still be able to help the Padres and fantasy owners in 2014.

Acquired as part of the Mike Adams deal last season, Wieland has a solid arsenal of pitches, but it's his control that that seems to be his biggest asset right now. His strikeout totals won't dazzle you, but the fact that he's consistently posted a K/BB ratio of 3.00 or better for the last on multiple levels in the minors is certainly appealing. He also has a knack for keeping the ball in the park as seen in his career 0.59 HR/9IP mark in the minors which is a definite plus. He will likely begin 2012 in Double-A again but should ascend to the next level rather quickly.