Raising Matt Cain · Mar 14, 2023
Notes
The only thing that really matters in Spring Training is player health. Injuries happen all the time in the game but the ones that happen in the pre-season are the most frustrating. Both Mitch Haniger and Brandon Crawford have been shut down recently and we all know those are key guys. So far there's no real replacement for BCraw. If his knee flares up again I suppose we'll see Thairo Estrada man the SS position and that will probably make a spot for Isan Díaz (who was optioned to AAA already). Haniger was expected to beef up a shaky outfield group and to be in the lineup most days. They are saying he'll be back in a week. Luis González will have back surgery and is out for at least the first half of the year. I did not expect him to make the team but his loss puts a dent in the depth chart. Fortunately Austin Slater is back (he had 4 RBI today in a 7-6 win over AZ) and appears to be on track for Opening Day.