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- Madison Bumgarner suffered a fracture to his pitching hand and will miss six-to-eight weeks. This news is a huge disappointment as Bumgarner was looking for a bounce-back season of sorts after missing a chunk of time last year after a dirt bike accident. The Giants are hoping Bumgarner will be back in early June. Fantasy owners will have to wait until then too.
- In more Giants news, Jeff Samardzija was diagnosed with a strained pectoral muscle and will miss roughly three-to-four weeks. This is somewhat good news as Samardzija underwent the MRI expecting a shoulder injury which would have resulted in more missed time. With two of their best starters out for the foreseeable future, the Giants will turn to in-house options like Ty Blach and Derek Holland to fill the void. Quite the downgrade.
- The looming suspension for Twins third baseman Miguel Sano involving a 2015 incident of alleged sexual assault has been ruled on by MLB. Sano will NOT be suspended and thus the 24-year-old slugger will enter the year eligible to play all 162 games assuming health. Last year, Sano hit .264 with a .859 OPS, 28 home runs, and 77 RBI over 114 games. Expect to see his ADP rise as Opening Day draws nearer.
A few more quick hitters:
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- Phillies top prospect, Scott Kingery, will break camp with the big league club. He also signed a six-year, $24 million extension.
- Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto could begin the year on the disabled list.
- Aaron Hicks is expected to be the Yankees everyday center fielder in 2018.
- Padres starter, Dinelson Lamet, left his spring training start due to an elbow injury. He is expected back in May.
- Luke Gregerson will start the year on the disabled list. Dominic Leone is the favorite for the Cardinals closer role while Gregerson is out.
- The White Sox will split closer duties between Nate Jones and Joakim Soria.
- Jack Flaherty will open the season in the Cardinals starting rotation to fill the void left because Adam Wainwright will start the year on the disabled list.