Almonte (shoulder) has yet to allow a run in three innings this spring.
The pitching prospect missed the tail-end of last season with a rotator cuff strain, but it seems like the injury is in the rear-view mirror at this point. The early results are promising, as Almonte has three strikeouts in his brief spring action so far. He did allow one hit and hit a batter, but his control has been a problem in recent seasons (5.0 BB/9 in 114.2 career Triple-A innings). There's a good chance that he'll start the season back in Omaha, but the 24-year-old will likely be back in the majors at some point in 2018, although he may be destined to end up in the bullpen.