Bird Droppings

The Yankees were dealt a bit of a blow on Monday when it was announced that first baseman Greg Bird would require surgery “"remove a small broken spur on the outside aspect of his right ankle."

Bird missed a substantial amount of time during the 2017 season due to an injury on the same right ankle. This time around, he is expected to be sidelined for 6-to-8 weeks.

In the short-term, the Yankees plan to get by at first base with some combination of Neil Walker and/or Tyler Austin. They could also explore signing a veteran to compete for at-bats at first base, such as a reunion with Adam Lind who was recently released.

Before getting injured, the 25-year-old had struggled in Grapefruit League play, slashing just .154/.267/.231 with one homer, four RBI and a 16/7 K/BB ratio in 60 plate appearances.

It seems as though even if he hits the most optimistic side of his projected timetable, that Bird will be sidelined until the end of May. In leagues that don’t have DL spots available to stash injured players, fantasy owners may face a difficult decision on whether or not to keep the first baseman.

Ketel Chips

The Diamondbacks joined in on the recent trend of locking up young players with between zero and two years of Major League service time, signing shortstop Ketel Marte to a five-year, $24 million contract extension.

The contract, which was reported by Robert Murray of FanRag Sports, also includes two option years for a total of $22 million, which could run the total contract as high as $46 million.

The 24-year-old wasn’t going to be eligible for arbitration until after the 2018 season as a Super-two player, and wasn’t set to hit free agency until after the 2023 season. The deal is structured similarly to those for Tim Anderson and Paul DeJong, similar shortstops who were signed to similar extensions.

Marte appeared in 73 games for the Diamondbacks in 2017, slashing .260/.345/.395 with five homers, 18 RBI and three stolen bases. A better real-life player than a fantasy player, Marte will be irrelevant in most mixed leagues in 2018.

Devers Avoids Scare

Red Sox’ fans and fantasy owners everywhere were forced to hold their collective breaths for a few minutes on Monday after Rafael Devers slid awkwardly into Cubs’ catcher Victor Caratini at home plate.

Devers was on the ground for several minutes, but was eventually able to walk off under his own power. He was later diagnosed with a right-knee bruise and is listed as day-to-day.

Devers came out after the conclusion of Monday’s ballgame to let everyone know that he’s completely fine and has every intention of being in the starting lineup when the Red Sox kick off their season on Thursday against the Rays.

American League Quick Hits: Jose Bautista has reportedly discussed a one-year deal with the Rays, though nothing appears imminent… Jonny Venters, he of the three Tommy John surgeries, was informed that he would not make the Rays’ Opening Day bullpen despite his strong spring… The Red Sox officially placed Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez on the 10-day disabled list to begin the season… Trey Mancini sat out Monday’s exhibition game after suffering a minor hamstring tweak on Sunday. He’s expected to be fine for Opening Day… Chris Archer (forearm) was able to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Monday and Rays’ manager Kevin Cash said he had no concern about Archer’s availability for Opening Day… The Rangers re-signed Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract… Francisco Liriano racked up six strikeouts over six innings of two-run ball against the Rays…Angels’ skipper Mike Scioscia tabbed Garrett Richards to start on Opening Day… Indians’ manager Terry Francona informed Rob Refsnyder that there wasn’t a spot for him on the Opening Day roster… Marcus Stroman fanned five over 4 ⅔ innings of one-run ball against the Cardinals...Sonny Gray punched out seven while allowing just one run over five innings against the Braves… Kyle Tucker blasted a grand slam to beat the Brewers. He now has five long balls and 21 RBI in limited spring action… Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register believes that Blake Parker will open the season as the Angels’ closer with Cam Bedrosian functioning in a setup capacity.


National League Quick Hits: Wei-Yin Chen said he felt the best that he has felt in years after throwing a live batting practice session on Sunday. He’s tentatively expected to join the Marlins’ rotation in May… The Mets announced that Tim Tebow will begin the season at Double-A Binghamton… The Braves inked Ryan Flaherty to a one-year, $750,000 contract to function in a utility role… The Padres sent Carter Capps outright to Triple-A El Paso after the right-hander surprisingly passed through waivers unclaimed… The Phillies signed Alexi Amarista to a minor league contract… The Phillies released veteran backstop Cameron Rupp… The Mets claimed outfielder Bryce Brentz off of waivers from the Pirates… The Phillies announced that Tommy Hunter will begin the season on the disabled list due to a mild hamstring strain… Scott Kingery celebrated his new contract extension by going 3-for-4 with a homer as the Phillies beat the Pirates on Monday… Dinelson Lamet told reporters on Monday that his elbow is already feeling much better and he’s optimistic that he could rejoin the Padres’ rotation before the month of May… The Brewers released veteran right-hander Yovani Gallardo...The Giants purchased the contract of Derek Holland, after injuries led to the veteran left-hander securing a spot in the team’s Opening Day rotation… Brent Suter racked up seven strikeouts over five innings of one-run baseball against the Astros.. Zack Greinke fanned four over six innings of one-hit ball in a victory over the Indians.