Roto Riteup: March 24, 2018

Sometimes, no matter what we do, we can’t escape the injury bug:

via GIPHY

On the Agenda:
1. Bumgarner Breaks Hand
2. Sano Avoids Suspension
3. Various News and Notes

 

Bumgarner Breaks Hand

Madison Bumgarner is expected to miss four-to-eight weeks after sustaining a fracture of his fifth metacarpal of his pitching hand against the Royals on Friday.

Brutal news for the #Giants and Madison Bumgarner.
A fractured left hand. Oof.
pic.twitter.com/K94ItV2h0Y

— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) March 24, 2018

He’ll be undergoing surgery to insert pins into the broken pinky today, with the hope that he can return at the early end of the timetable. After losing Jeff Samardzija (right pectoral strain, three-to-five weeks recovery), the Giants will likely turn to Johnny Cueto to start Thursday against the Dodgers. Following him, they will go with Chris Stratton, Ty Blach, and Derek Holland – with rookies Tyler Beede and Andrew Suarez possibly garnering interest as well. The Giants have five off days in April, which could potentially allow them to avoid trotting out a fifth starter until May.

Bumgarner lost three months of the 2017 season due to a dirt bike accident in April. Friday’s injury was a random act, but this will likely end up being the second season in a row in which he doesn’t surpass 30 GS (six-straight seasons with 30 or more starts heading into 2017).

Sano Avoids Suspension

The MLB announced on Friday that Miguel Sano will not be suspended for his alleged assault of photographer Betsy Bissen back in December. He’s currently hitting .323/.432/.742 this Spring, with three home runs, four doubles, and six RBI in 37 PA, with a 6/8 K:BB ratio. His recovery from November surgery on his shin seems to be going along nicely, and with the off-the-field situation decided, Sano should be manning the hot corner for the Twins come Opening Day.

Various News and Notes

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag sports, Astros starter Collin McHugh could be available via trade. He’s due $5 million this year, and is under team control through 2019 with one more arbitration-eligible season. He’s currently projected to start the year in the Astros bullpen.

Red Sox starter Steven Wright has been suspended 15 games for violating the MLB domestic violence policy stemming from an incident in December – Evan Drellich (NBC). The games served is only eligible if he’s active, so if he begins the year on the disabled list (knee), then the Red Sox will have to wait until his time is fulfilled once activated. Wright is currently rehabbing from knee surgery, as he attempts to make it back sometime in April.

Mets RHP Rafael Montero will undergo Tommy John surgery after being diagnosed with a torn UCL on Thursday. The 27-year old owns a 5.38 ERA and 1.71 WHIP over 192 career innings in the majors. He’ll miss the 2018 season and a good portion of 2019 as well.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced on Friday that Brian Johnson will begin the season as part of the Red Sox rotation. The former first round pick out of the University of Florida has made only six career starts in the majors. He will likely get at least a decent look to begin the year with Red Sox starters Drew Pomeranz, Steven Wright, and Eduardo Rodriguez currently nursing injuries.

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle announced that both Tyler Glasnow and Steven Brault will open the season in the bullpen. Glasnow has allowed 11 ER in 12.1 IP (4 GS) this Spring, with three of those runs coming via the long-ball. His 19/5 K:BB ratio remains tantalizing, and he no-doubt will see time in the rotation at some point this season. The Pirates starters to begin 2018 will include Ivan Nova, Trevor Williams, Chad Kuhl, Jameson Taillon, and Joe Musgrove.

Orioles top catching prospect Chance Sisco will break camp with the Orioles following his main competitor – Andrew Susac – being optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Sisco earned the position based on his .419/.471/.839 line over 34 PA this spring, with eight extra-base hits (two home runs), and 10 RBI. Based on his home ballpark, his competition for playing time (Caleb Joseph), and his consistent ability to hit for average and walk in the minor leagues – Sisco could potentially be a nice AL-Only catcher with the upside for deep mixed league relevance as well.