Surgery not needed for Morel: White Sox third baseman Brent Morel, on the 15-day disabled list, found out on Wednesday that his injured back will not require surgery. He has not played since May 17 due to a lumbar back strain. “It’s like really good news," Morel told ESPN.com. "They were really happy to find that out. It’s never operated on. It could be controlled really easily in the training room and just like calming it down.” (Updated 05/23/2012)
Injury Report
Back - 15-day DL. Out until at least early June (Updated - 5/22/12)
Fantasy Analysis
Morel batted a lowly .177 before landing on the shelf but it looks as though his stint on the DL will not be as long as first expected. However, he could lose playing time at third base once he returns as newly-acquired Orlando Hudson is expected to help out the White Sox at the hot corner. Morel is mainly in the majors for his defense so continue to him as a low-end option in AL-only formats, when healthy. (Updated 05/23/2012).
05/21/2012 07:03 Stock Watch: Beachy's freakishly good, but what's up with Lincecum?
Give the Braves an A for doing their homework on Brandon Beachy. Jon Heyman says Atlanta is reaping the rewards for deciding to listen to their scouts' advice. Elsewhere, Tim Lincecum just isn't his old self.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/19/2012 18:41 Orlando Hudson to sign with White Sox
Released by the Padres on Thursday, Orlando Hudson will sign with the White Sox. Hudson will play third base and back up Gordon Beckham at second base.
05/13/2012 20:18 Hit Parade for Week 7
As interleague play gets under way there are many matchups to break down. Our Scott White tells you who the best bets and biggest risks are in his Hit Parade for Week 7.
05/09/2012 12:27 Dear Mr. Fantasy: New world order for closers
The relief pitching landscape sure has changed on a dime since opening day. Who are the right replacements to target? Our Scott White re-ranks his top closer options and answers your questions in Dear Mr. Fantasy.
Brent Morel was considered one of the top rookies in Fantasy entering 2011, but it didn't take long for him to become an afterthought. After he hit .203 with no homers in April, the Fantasy owners who were once so high on him turned their attention to Ryan Roberts and Placido Polanco. Or perhaps they just began pining for Brett Lawrie. Whatever the case, they discarded Morel to the Fantasy scrap heap, and the White Sox were right there with them, sitting him in favor of Mark Teahen, Omar Vizquel and even Dallas McPherson. But what both the White Sox and Fantasy owners failed to recognize was that Morel was making slow and steady progress. From the beginning of May to the end of July, he hit a respectable .274, but with no power. What good is a third baseman with no power, you ask? Well, Morel didn't give us much room to wonder, exploding for eight home runs in September. Clearly, the 24-year-old enters 2012 with some momentum, and given his pedigree as a top prospect, he shouldn't be a complete afterthought in mixed leagues. Even if you leave him for AL-only leagues on Draft Day, you'll want to keep an eye on him in April. (Updated 1/11/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
