Final Spring Training Roster Moves Update

Roster moves are continuously happening. I know I’ll miss a few but here is some information on the more fantasy relevant moves. As more news comes out over the weekend and I find time, I will add to the list any information I find useful.

• Adalberto Mejia is the Twins fifth starter.

Early this offseason I stated:

A pitcher I am keeping my eye on is the Twins Adalberto Mejia. No one has reported any of the lefties pitches as plus but he may have four average pitches with above average control. He throws his lowest rated pitch, the curve, hard. Hard curves (80 mph plus) are more successful than slow curves so even his worst pitch can be useful. If he continues to post good minor league strikeout and walk numbers, he could move into a bad Twins rotation quickly.

He isn’t immediately rosterable in most leagues. I will though try to catch his first start and see what’s behind the 9.5 K/9 in AAA.

• Matt Boyd will be the Tigers’ fifth starter.

Boyd has the job, now he needs to limit the long ball. His combined ’15 and ’16 home run rate (2.0 HR/9) is the league’s highest (min 150 IP). While giving up the home runs, he improved his strikeout and walk rate in 2016.

At the same time, general manager Al Avila has emphasized that the Tigers need to get younger over the long term. Boyd, who turned 26 last month, has opened eyes with his performance ever since the stretch run last season. Multiple scouts following the club this spring have said they see Boyd with the potential to become a second or third starter.

He seems like a reasonable back end of the rotation arm with some nice upside.

• Tim Beckham will start at shortstop for the Rays.

Don’t expect Beckham to turn into the star everyone expected from him when he was taken 1st overall in the 2008 draft. Right now, he would not be getting any major league consideration if he didn’t play shortstop. He can’t hit. He has no power. He doesn’t steal bases. He strikes out over 30% of the time. I guess he’ll generate a few Runs and RBIs. Hopefully, there is a better option on your league’s waiver wire.

• Adrian Beltre will start the season on the DL or play hurt.

Beltre’s is not close to being 100% healthy.

Beltre right now is limited to throwing and hitting in a cage. He will get treatment on Thursday in Arlington, and then the Rangers will make a decision if he’s ready to play in the exhibition games against the Royals on Friday and Saturday.

“Obviously you don’t want to go into the season hurt,” Beltre said. “I don’t mind the discomfort, but I don’t want to blow it up. Hopefully, it calms down, I can play a game or two before the season and then nurse it for 2-3 weeks until I’m 100 percent.”

Owners will likely have to start Beltre because his 80% is probably better than any of their other options. Just note that he will struggle for a bit.

• Ronald Torreyes will be the Yankee shortstop

I have always been a Torreyes fan and he has the job until Didi Gregorius returns from the DL. He has a good bat but no power behind it. Because he has no power, teams have been just throwing to the strike zone and making him beat him with his ball. He may end up with a decent batting average but will not provide much value in on-base leagues.

• Chad Kuhl made the Pirates rotation.

This move is no real surprise. Additionally, Kuhl won’t surprise many hitters with his average to below average stuff. He has the makings on an innings eater and should be a nice play on his two-start weeks.