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| 4:19 PM | Cory Luebke, SP, SD |
Luebke weighing optionsNews: The North County Times reports Padres starting pitcher Cory Luebke has a partially torn UCL in his pitching elbow. However, Luebke is deciding whether or not to rehab the injury for six weeks and then continuing to pitch or opt for surgery. Analysis: It seems if Luebke has surgery, then Tommy John is the likely option to fix his elbow. That would put him out a calendar year and he would likely miss the start of the 2013 season. If he rehabs, then he's got a chance to return in 2012, but the potential for a setback is still there. Clearly, stash Luebke in Fantasy at your own risk. |
| 4:12 PM | Jose Valverde, RP, DET |
Valverde day to dayNews: MLB.com reports Tigers closer Jose Valverde is listed as day to day with a lower back strain. Joaquin Benoit is considered the likely closer unless matchups dictate otherwise. Valverde says he expects to be ready to pitch this weekend in the series against the Pirates. Analysis: Valverde injured his back during his Tuesday outing. It seems it's not a DL situation just yet, but we will keep you posted on Valverde's status in the coming days. Valverde is off to a shaky start this season and a big part of his problem is that he's not getting hitters to miss at the pace he has in the past. Batters are swinging and missing on just 8.5 percent of Valverde's offerings, which is a career low. Batters are also making contact at 80.4 percent, which is also a career high. Valverde isn't on the verge of losing his job, but he's not as strong of a Fantasy option if these trends continue. |
| 3:56 PM | Brett Lawrie, 3B, TOR |
Lawrie appealing suspensionNews: Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie was in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Yankees a day after getting ejected from Tuesday's game against the Rays for arguing strikes. Lawrie got into a heated exchange with umpire Bill Miller and accidentally hit Miller with his helmet after throwing it at the ground in anger. MLB announced Wednesday that Lawrie was suspended four games, but he is appealing. Analysis: The good news is that Lawrie isn't looking at a long suspension. We will keep you posted about his appeal, but for now you can keep him active in all Fantasy formats. Lawrie is batting .324 in his last 10 games. When Lawrie sits, then Edwin Encarnacion will probably see the bulk of starts at third base. |
| 2:45 PM | Kevin Youkilis, 3B, BOS |
Youkilis on trading block?News: ESPN analyst Buster Olney told WEEI that the Red Sox might have to look into trading third baseman Kevin Youkilis to clear everyday at-bats for Will Middlebrooks. “I’ve talked with a number of executives at other teams this week, because this looks like it’s headed down that path,” Olney said. “Unless there’s an injury to a David Ortiz or to an Adrian Gonzalez, eventually you’re going to have a situation when the Red Sox, who are presumably going to want to find a way to keep Middlebrooks in the big leagues, they’re going to have to figure out what to do with Youkilis.” Olney added that other general managers have said Youkilis will need to put together at least three productive weeks once he returns to gauge his trade value. “They think then, that’s when you can get a little something in return,” Olney said. “Not great, they’re not going to get a Grade A prospect, they’re probably not even going to get a Grade A-minus prospect because of the amount of money owed to him. But there’s clearly a lot of places where he could land. The Dodgers, I think are in an evaluation period now with their first baseman James Loney, because he’s gotten off to a terrible start. … I think the Chicago White Sox potentially are a fit for Youkilis as a third baseman, and potentially in his hometown of Cincinnati would be a great fit for him because they need a right-handed hitter who can play third base especially now that Scott Rolen’s career might be over.” Analysis: Can you really be shocked that Youkilis trade talk has surfaced with the emergence of Middlebrooks, who is slated to be demoted to Triple-A Pawtucket once Youkilis comes off the DL? Youkilis, who is rehabbing a back injury, will begin a rehab assignment with Pawtucket on Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, then he's expected to be activated early in Fantasy Week 8 (May 21-27). Youkilis is off to a slow start this season, but if he returns to form once healthy, then Boston could look to trade him to clear at-bats for Middlebrooks. Don't forget that Boston holds a $13 million option on Youkilis for the 2013 season. He has a $1 million buyout as well. For the immediate future, however, Youkilis will play regularly once he's activated. It's just that he's more of a low-end Fantasy starter until his numbers start to rise. |
| 11:14 AM | Vance Worley, SP, PHI |
Worley can't avoid DLNews: The Phillies scratched starting pitcher Vance Worley from his Wednesday start on Tuesday because of right elbow inflammation. On Wednesday, the Phillies went even further by putting Worley on the 15-day DL. Joe Savery was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take Worley's roster spot and Kyle Kendrick will replace Worley in the rotation, starting Wednesday against the Cubs. Analysis: We were hoping Worley wouldn't need a DL stint, but you can't really be surprised by this move. With pitchers needing elbow surgery left and right these days, the Phillies being cautious with Worley is the right move. Worley is striking out a career-high 9.2 batters per nine innings in 2012 and continues to be a viable Fantasy start when healthy. Some potential replacements while Worley is out include Carlos Zambrano (owned 77 percent of leagues), Edinson Volquez (73 percent), Bud Norris (70 percent), Wei-Yin Chen (48 percent), Christian Friedrich (41 percent), Derek Lowe (44 percent) and Henderson Alvarez (59 percent). |
| 5:51 PM | Evan Longoria, 3B, TB |
Longoria feels good after BPNews: Tampa Bay injured third baseman Evan Longoria, who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, took some batting practice on Wednesday, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Longoria told manager Joe Maddon that he felt good. That said, he did not run or complete any other baseball-related activities. Analysis: Longoria went on the disabled list as May began and was expected to miss anywhere from 4-8 weeks at that point. He's definitely making progress, but until he can run or field he hasn't gotten that far. Once ready, Longoria is likely to need an injury rehab assignment as well. Longoria should be stashed in all Fantasy formats while he's on the DL and he'll be back before you know it. |
| 5:08 PM | Matt Kemp, CF, LAD |
Kemp may need rehab assignmentNews: Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp received a PRP injection on Tuesday, reports the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday. Kemp, who is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, may be asked by manager Don Mattingly to play in at least one minor league rehab assignment game before returning to the Dodgers when eligible. Analysis: Kemp doesn't want to stay on the shelf any longer than he has to considering Monday marked the first game he has missed since Aug. 18, 2009. Still, if Mattingly says he needs a rehab assignment, he'll get one. Kemp needs to rest and get back to his usual self once healthy. He is off to another MVP-caliber season this year with 12 homers and a .359 batting average, but should be reserved in all Fantasy formats for now. |
| 5:20 PM | Joe Wieland, SP, SD |
Wieland ready to play catchNews: Padres injured starter Joe Wieland, on the disabled list with an elbow injury, is apparently fine and expected to begin playing catch shortly, reports the North County Times. This news comes from manager Bud Black. Analysis: Wieland may be close to rejoining the San Diego rotation, though there hasn't been any timetable listed for when he'll make his next start. The rookie has pitched to a 4.55 ERA over 27 2/3 innings across five major league starts. He is mostly an NL-only Fantasy option, when healthy, at this point in his career. |
| 5:18 PM | Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, BOS |
Dice-K not ready for majors?News: Red Sox starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka's rehab assignment expires May 23, but on Wednesday manager Bobby Valentine expressed his concerns about the veteran pitcher. Matsuzaka is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. "Right now, I don't think he's all that close (to pitching in majors)," Valentine said. Analysis: Matsuzaka is scheduled to pitch twice more, including Thursday, before the Red Sox have to make a decision about his status. Valentine doesn't sound encouraged right now, but he could change his tune in a week. Valentine added that Dice-K's arm angle has been all over the place and he seems to be searching for the right slot. Matsuzaka was lit up for five runs on seven hits (two homers) and one walk in 5 1/3 innings last time out for Triple-A Pawtucket. Matsuzaka is worth stashing in very deep Fantasy formats, particularly AL-only. |
| 5:14 PM | Carlos Quentin, LF, SD |
Quentin 'slowed' after injectionNews: San Diego outfielder Carlos Quentin has been "slowed" by his knee injury of late, according to Padres manager Bud Black, reports the North County Times Wednesday. Quentin had a cortisone injection on Tuesday. The Padres should have a clearer picture after Friday. Analysis: Quentin was pulled from a rehab assignment after suffering the setback. The 29-year-old has played in two games for Lake Elsinore and recorded two hits and two RBI during seven at-bats. Black did not indicate when Quentin would be able to rejoin the Padres, however, the team is unlikely to rush him. Fantasy owners should keep Quentin reserved only in deeper formats for now. |
| 3:41 PM | Freddie Freeman, 1B, ATL |
Freeman only misses one gameNews: Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman returned to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Marlins after missing one game with a slight corneal abrasion. Freeman left Monday's game in the seventh inning after experiencing blurred vision in his right eye. Analysis: It's good to see that Freeman's eye issue turned out to be a minor one. Still, he heads into Tuesday mired in a 4-for-23 slump, so hopefully the day off let him recharge the batteries and he can go on a nice offensive run. Freeman remains a viable Fantasy start in all formats. |
| 5:10 PM | Lendy Castillo, RP, CHC |
Castillo has moderate groin strainNews: The Cubs are sending Lendy Castillo to the doctor on Wednesday, reports MLB.com. Castillo is dealing with a moderate groin strain and may be placed on the disabled list. Analysis: Castillo has given up six runs over 7 2/3 innings this season with an 0-1 record and a 1.83 WHIP. He's not fared all that well and may be a candidate for the disabled list. In his current role, Castillo has low-end Fantasy value. |
| 5:09 PM | Carl Crawford, LF, BOS |
Crawford close to swinging a batNews: The Boston Herald reports Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford (wrist, elbow) might resume swinging a bat when the team returns home during Fantasy Week 8 (May 21-27). Analysis: The rehab process hasn't been easy for Crawford since undergoing wrist surgery in mid-January. He's had a few setbacks and even developed an elbow injury. Hopefully, when he starts up again he will avoid any more issues. Crawford remains worth stashing in all Fantasy formats because he has the potential to be a must-start option. |
| 5:05 PM | Michael Morse, LF, WAS |
Morse makes 60 throwsNews: The Washington Times reports Nationals outfielder Michael Morse said he made 60 throws on Wednesday and felt fine. Analysis: The Nationals are targeting a June 8 return to the lineup for Morse. He still has some hurdles left to clear before returning to the majors, but we hope this time he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Morse is coming off a career year in 2011, when he emerged as a must-start Fantasy option. He still has that potential, which is why you should keep him stashed in all formats. |
| 5:00 PM | Andrew Bailey, RP, BOS |
Bailey cleared to begin throwingNews: Boston relief pitcher Andrew Bailey, once tabbed to be the team's closer before landing on the disabled list with a thumb injury, has finally been cleared to throw, reports ESPN.com on Wednesday. Bailey will begin throwing next week. Analysis: Bailey was able to take off his cast last week and has now been cleared to begin throwing. It may be slow progress, but at least he's going forward. His range of motion is pretty much back, though the full story won't be known until he at least starts throwing the baseball. Fantasy owners will want to monitor that hurdle. Bailey is worth reserving only in deeper formats at this point. |
| 4:55 PM | Brandon Inge, 2B, OAK |
Inge not starting WednesdayNews: The A's left Brandon Inge out of the starting lineup with groin issues for the fourth straight game on Wednesday at Texas. Inge hasn't played since May 12 against Detroit when he went 0 for 3 with a walk and a strikeout. He's batting .188 on the year but had been on fire with four homers over a five-game stretch with 16 RBI over that span from May 6 through May 11. Oakland said Thursday is likely for Inge to return. Analysis: Oakland seems like it will be able to avoid putting Inge on the DL, though he couldn't return to the starting lineup Wednesday. Inge has enjoyed a career resurgence since joining Oakland in late April. He's batting just .227 in 11 games, but Inge has four homers and 17 RBI in that span. Inge won't hit for a pretty average and he will strike out a lot, but if he keeps hitting homers and driving in runs, then Inge has Fantasy value in deep Fantasy formats. |
| 4:48 PM | Wilson Ramos, C, WAS |
Ramos officially done for seasonNews: Washington catcher Wilson Ramos returned to Nationals Park on Wednesday, reports the Washington Post. Ramos will not have surgery on his knee for another 2-3 weeks and said he has no chance of returning to the field for the Nationals this season. Ramos is going to undergo surgery to fix his ACL. Analysis: Washington was hesitant to rule Ramos out for the season but Fantasy owners across the board can consider that to be the case now. Ramos' power was just beginning to come around as he clubbed two homers over his past four games prior to the injury. Jesus Flores has taken over behind the plate for Washington in Ramos' absence. Fantasy owners should release Ramos in all seasonal formats. |
| 4:43 PM | Jose Lobaton, C, TB |
Lobaton moves onto Double-ANews: Rays catcher Jose Lobaton (shoulder) moved his rehab assignment from Class A Charlotte to Double-A Montgomery. He went 0 for 5 in two games for Charlotte. Analysis: Lobaton might grab a roster spot with the Rays once he is healthy, but he will be at best in a timeshare situation with Jose Molina. He won't have much Fantasy appeal once active. |
| 3:13 PM | Daniel Hudson, SP, ARI |
Hudson throws in extended springNews: Diamondbacks starting pitcher Daniel Hudson (shoulder) threw 54 pitches (32 strikes) in 2 1/3 innings during an extended spring game Wednesday. He allowed two runs on two hits and two walks, while striking out three. "My arm feels great, but my command is not where I want it to be," Hudson said. Analysis: Hudson is slated to throw a bullpen on Saturday, but it appears he could be close to a rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno. It will be interesting to see how many rehab starts Hudson would need, but it seems he's due to return in the coming weeks. Hudson posted a 6.00 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in his first three starts, but you have to think the injury contributed to those inflated numbers. Remember the pitcher that won 16 games in 2011 and 7 of 11 starts with Arizona in 2010. That's the kind of potential Hudson brings to the table. He's a viable Fantasy start when healthy. |
| 4:35 PM | Ivan Nova, SP, NYY |
Nova to throw side sessionNews: The Star-Ledger reports Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Wednesday that injured starter Ivan Nova (foot) will throw a side session Thursday. Analysis: Manager Joe Girardi said on Tuesday that Nova could miss his next scheduled start Saturday against the Reds. "We’ll have to see," Girardi said. "We have to be smart about it." If Nova is unable to go Saturday, David Phelps could take his spot in the starting rotation. Nova is 4-1 in seven starts, but he has a 5.44 ERA and 1.67 WHIP. He continues to be inconsistent, but he's backed by one of the best offenses in the majors, which keeps him Fantasy relevant when healthy. |
| 4:29 PM | Josh Tomlin, SP, CLE |
Tomlin needs another MRINews: The Plain Dealer reports Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (wrist) will get a second MRI on Thursday. The first MRI had two conflicting diagnosis -- a muscular issue and tendinitis. Tomlin said, however, surgery has not been discussed. Analysis: The Indians need a clear diagnosis to set up a better timetable for Tomlin's return. He still probably needs a throwing program and rehab assignment before returning, so Tomlin is likely sidelined for a few more weeks. Only stash Tomlin in very deep formats while he sits out. |
| 3:51 PM | Raul Ibanez, LF, NYY |
Ibanez rejoins Yankees lineupNews: After missing one start with an elbow injury, Yankees outfielder Raul Ibanez started in left field Wednesday against the Blue Jays. Analysis: It's good to see Ibanez avoid a major injury since he's been hitting well lately. Ibanez is batting .310 with four homers and 10 RBI in his last eight games. It seems the fact he's playing the field regularly again due to injuries in the Yankees' outfield is helping him stay sharp at the plate. Ibanez is worth using in deeper Fantasy formats when healthy. |
| 3:47 PM | Denard Span, CF, MIN |
Span suits up WednesdayNews: Twins outfielder Denard Span's absence from the starting lineup lasted just one game. Span was back in the lineup Wednesday against the Tigers after sitting out Tuesday against the Indians with a minor hamstring injury. Analysis: This injury was never considered a major ordeal and we hope it doesn't turn into one. After a hot start to the season, Span has hit a market correction, batting .186 in his last 11 games. We kind of expected this after Span started the year with a .400 BABIP in his first 23 games. Span remains more of a low-end Fantasy option in mixed leagues. |
| 3:21 PM | Jack Hannahan, 3B, CLE |
Hannahan undergoes MRINews: Indians third baseman Jack Hannahan did not return to the starting lineup Wednesday against the Mariners because of lingering back soreness. It was the third straight game he missed. Jose Lopez once again started in his absence. MLB.com reports Hannahan went for an MRI to learn more about the injury. He is day to day, but the disabled list is a possibility. Analysis: Hannahan has been slow to recover from this injury and the DL has now become a possibility. Hannahan's numbers to start the season have been decent, but he's starting to slow down. He's batting just .241 in his last nine games. Hannahan is still the team's starting third baseman, but he has a low offensive ceiling when healthy. Consider him a low-end Fantasy option. |
| 5/15/2012 | David Robertson, RP, NYY |
Robertson lands on disabled listNews: Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with a strained left oblique. An MRI taken Tuesday morning revealed the issue and he is expected to be sidelined until at least the end of May. Robertson, 27, has been dealing with the issue over the past week and has not pitched since last Friday. He suffered his first loss two days before when he allowed his first runs of the season. Relief pitcher Cody Eppley was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to take his place on the roster. Robertson believes he'll be able to return after the minimum DL stay. Analysis: New York's once-stellar back-end of the bullpen is now down to one -- at least temporarily. Robertson, who was considered part of a two-man committee for saves after Mariano Rivera suffered a season-ending injury, has appeared in 15 games this season while posting a 2.51 ERA and one save in two chances. Rafael Soriano will now take over the closer role exclusively for the Yankees. Fantasy owners should leave Robertson reserved in all formats while tracking his health status over the next few weeks. |
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