Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: No room in L.A. for Olivera

Published Mar. 25, 2015 6:03 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

As the Hector Olivera sweepstakes gathered steam this month, much speculation centered on how quickly he'd be in a major-league lineup. The Braves, for instance, presented a fine opportunity for Olivera to have near-term value in both real and fantasy baseball. 

Now that the Dodgers have signed Olivera to a six-year, $62.5 million contract, where will he play? In the minors for much of this year, probably. The Dodgers "reportedly see (Olivera) as more of a third baseman," according to Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times. That's Juan Uribe's position, and while Uribe isn't exactly Adrian Beltre at the plate, he's excellent in the field, so he figures to stay in the lineup. Also, there are rumors that Olivera needs Tommy John surgery on his elbow.

Uribe and 2B Howie Kendrick are free agents after this season, so Olivera will figure strongly into the team's 2016 plans. But for 2015, it looks like he'll need an injury to someone else - and continued health of his own - to get significant playing time. This sounds unlikely, so there's no fantasy value here unless you're in a keeper league.

In other news ... 

There's quite a battle going on between Chris Owings and slick-fielding Nick Ahmed for the D-backs' starting shortstop job. Owings is the superior fantasy option, and while Ahmed isn't viewed as much of a hitter, he can run a little (14 SB at Triple A last season).

More Diamondbacks: Closer Addison Reed, who has battled shoulder tightness during spring training, threw a scoreless inning on Tuesday and should be ready for Opening Day. Also, defensive Tuffy Gosewisch has been named as the team's starting catcher. Gosewisch isn't a good hitter, and with a regular role he might pop 10 homers with a terrible batting average. The projections at FanGraphs have him at about .220.

Ubaldo Jimenez had another terrific outing on Tuesday, and Buck Showalter "must build a rotation out of six candidates," according to MASNSports.com. If they mess with Kevin Gausman because of the predictably unreliable Jimenez, I might lead a picket line at Camden Yards.

Matt Cain says he has experienced some elbow soreness during spring training, but the team thinks it's a normal part of the recovery from last season's surgery. If you've been considering Cain for fantasy purposes, this is probably nothing to worry about.

The Rockies are likely to open the season with three catchers on the roster. Here's the lowdown, according to the Denver Post:

"Nick Hundley, unquestionably, is the primary man behind the plate. Michael McKenry's defense, bat and ability to work with the young pitchers just might have earned him a spot on the 25-man roster. Wilin Rosario, still learning on the job, will be the primary backup at first base behind Justin Morneau, as well as providing a big bat off the bench."

The Rox still like Rosario's bat, but don't want to live with his bad defense. However, he'll probably get 300 at bats somehow, so he's draftable in 12-team mixed leagues if your roster carries two catchers.

Kris Bryant hit another home run on Tuesday. Apologies for including this note in the blog every single day.

Rays RP Jake McGee (elbow surgery) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday, and all went well. He's targeting a debut in early May.

Today's "Guy I Don't Want" is Koji Uehara, and I didn't want him before the worries about him starting the season on the DL due to a hamstring issue. Uehara has dropped to 14th among relievers in the NFBC ADP, but I've had him 19th for awhile. He's old and probably fragile - remember, he was shut down for awhile due to being tired late last season. No, thanks.

The A's have sent reliever Ryan Cook to the minors to work on mechanical issues. Cook probably won't be down for long, but the path is clear for Tyler Clippard to get all the team's saves until Sean Doolittle is healthy. And maybe even after Doolittle is healthy.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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