Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: Harvey's return, Semien's hot start

Published Mar. 6, 2015 4:04 p.m. ET

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John Halpin

For the next few Fridays, we'll publish a review of the week's action. The only condition is that you have to promise not to overreact to every good or bad spring performance. This would be such an overreaction:

"OMG MARCUS SEMIEN HIT TWO HOME RUNS ON TUESDAY! HE SHOULD BE PICKED AHEAD OF TULOWITZKI!!!"

Obviously, we shouldn't jump to conclusions after a big game or a hot spring. However, Semien is intriguing after hitting 21 homers with 10 steals between the minors and majors last season. Keep him in mind as a late-round, backup middle infielder (he'll be eligible at 2B/3B to start the season).

In other news ...

Matt Harvey started for the Mets on Friday, and was fantastic. Harvey tossed two perfect innings that included three strikeouts and two broken bats on 25 pitches. I've gotten Harvey in the eighth round of two consecutive mock drafts, but if you were optimistic about him entering spring training, be aware that his fantasy stock is about to rise (which may itself be an overreaction).

Giants OF Hunter Pence will miss 6-8 weeks due to a broken forearm. Just when I wanted to rank Pence higher than everyone else, this happens. Ugh - drop him to the low 20s.

Red Sox OF Rusney Castillo strained an oblique and will be out "for some time," according to manager John Farrell. The Sox have no reason to rush Castillo, as the season is a month away. As long as he can get 20-30 Florida at bats, he'll probably start the season, but don't sell those Mookie Betts shares just yet. As of now, Castillo is only expected to miss a week of action.

Tigers SP Alfredo Simon got a new Mercedes and chromed the whole thing. I think I went blind looking at the photo.

Platoon 1B Mark Canha has already hit a homer for the A's. Keep an eye on him, AL-only owners.

Pirates SS Jung-Ho Kang homered on Tuesday after slugging 40 in the Korean League last season. He went oppo with it, too. Kang (pronounced "Gung") might start the season as a utility infielder, but Jordy Mercer isn't the most daunting obstacle to play behind. Unfortunately, Kang is going as the 17th fantasy shortstop off the board right now, and that's too high for a guy without a job.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Tuesday that Brett Cecil might need to be used in high-leverage situations before the ninth inning. That would point to Aaron Sanchez closing, but for now the Jays are using Sanchez as a starter. Stay tuned, folks.

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he's hoping that Miguel Cabrera (ankle) will be ready "somewhere in the neighborhood" of Opening Day. That would be a nice neighborhood.

Rangers' ace Yu Darvish left his Thursday start after 12 pitches due to triceps tightness. Darvish says he's fine, but he was scheduled for Friday MRI, and we should know the results on Saturday. Keep your fingers crossed.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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