Rhys Hoskins has been diagnosed with an ACL tear in his left knee according to Matt Gelb. (Source: Matt Gelb on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Absolutely devastating news for Hoskins and fantasy owners, with the 30-year-old’s injury likely sidelining him for the entire season. Fantasy owners should expect Darrick Hall, Alec Bohm, and Edmundo Sosa to split a majority of the time at first base once the season begins one week from today.
Houston GM Dana Brown announced that 2B Jose Altuve's broken thumb would require surgery, and there is no timetable for his return. (Source: Brian McTaggart on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The news on Altuve continues to get worse with each update. The lack of a timetable is particularly distressing for fantasy managers, but a talent like Altuve should be stashed in an IL spot until his return. Mauricio Dubon presumably takes over second-base duties but can be ignored in fantasy formats.
Mets RP Edwin Diaz is expected to miss the entire 2023 season after tearing his patellar tendon. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Diaz injured his knee in a celebration following Puerto Rico's win in the WBC. He is expected to undergo surgery Thursday afternoon. Diaz had been the consensus No. 1 closer in fantasy baseball, and there is no clear-cut second closer for the Mets. David Robertson, Adam Ottovino, and Drew Smith are next on the depth chart, but it is more likely to be a committee to start the season.
Free agent pitcher Trevor Bauer has signed a one-year deal with Japan's Yokohama DeNA BayStars after going unsigned by MLB teams. (Source: Jeff Passan on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The Los Angeles Dodgers released Bauer following his serving of a domestic violence suspension and the remainder of the league's clubs decided not to ink the former Cy Young winner. Bauer last pitched in the 2021 season, posting a 2.59 ERA across 17 starts with Los Angeles after winning the 2020 NL Cy Young Award with the Reds. The 32-year-old will look to resurrect his pitching career and public image in a one-year stint overseas.
