It seems like every time I sit down to write a blog, I'm writing about another pitcher being injured. Alas, such is the case again today. Alex Cobb has been diagnosed with tendinitis in his right forearm and will miss the beginning of the regular season. While there's no specific timetable for Cobb's return, it appears that he'll miss at least the first couple weeks of the season.
This is a bummer. Cobb was one of "my guys" this season, as I expected a big breakout from the Rays' supposed Opening Day starter. Cobb has been outstanding the last two seasons, albeit in only 166.1 and 143.1 innings, respectively, and it seemed like he was ready to take the next step and become a fantasy ace in 2015.
However, while the injury itself is a little worrisome, as tendinitis in the forearm can sometimes be a harbinger of future elbow issues, this may depress Cobb's value and make him a draft-day bargain. Cobb is currently the 19th starting pitcher off the board (on average) in NFBC drafts, going in the same range as guys like Julio Teheran, Sonny Gray and Gerrit Cole. I still like Cobb, even with the injury risk, almost as much as these other pitchers. So if he starts falling in drafts, I think he could be a great chance to take on draft day.
Rising
Garrett Richards will make his spring debut Monday after throwing in an intrasquad game Wednesday.
Kris Bryant will return to the field on Thursday. The phenom will ease back into action at DH before getting back in the field by Friday or Saturday.
Adam Lind will return to game action Wednesday. The new Brewer has been dealing with lower-back soreness this spring, but seems to be ready to go.
Victor Martinez seems to be recovering well from knee surgery, as the DH was able to participate in some agility drills Wednesday. Martinez's goal of being ready for Opening Day still appears to be on the table.
Rusney Castillo finally got back on the field, participating in a minor league game on Wednesday. The Cuban import claims to be back to full health.
Falling
Andrew McCutchen missed Wednesday's spring game with a lower-body injury. The star outfielder claimed he'd be able to go if it was the regular season, but it's still something to keep an eye on.
Jacoby Ellsbury experienced a minor abdominal strain on Tuesday and is expected to be shut down for seven days. This is worrisome considering Ellsbury's injury history. Pay attention to Ellbury's progress, as this injury could linger longer than expected.
Matt Wieters is experiencing some elbow tendinitis and will be shut down until at least Sunday. Wieters is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so this is certainly a situation to monitor.
Koji Uehara injured his hamstring while running on Tuesday. While the injury appears to be minor, Uehara admitted it could threaten his ability to be ready for Opening Day.
Etc.
Edwin Encarnacion hit off a tee on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a sore back. The Blue Jays believe Encarnacion should still be on track for Opening Day.
Aramis Ramirez left the Brewers on Wednesday to deal with a "personal matter."