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2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: David Price, Bryce Harper & More

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:20:11 -0700

It has been a miserable year for pitching thus far as several big names have struggled mightily. Compounding that problem is the fact that so many pitchers have been dealing with injuries. This week is no different. It is clear that you will have to be very creative if you want to remain competitive in the pitching categories because there is very little depth available in the free agent pool. So without further adieu, here is the Week 7 edition of the Walking Wounded.

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David Price (SP-TB).

As if fantasy owners needed more bad news for their pitchers. Reigning AL Cy Young winner David Price has been placed on the disabled list with a left triceps strain that caused him to come out of his last start early. Price has not been right (see what I did there?) all season, so it is possible he has been dealing with some pain for quite awhile. Either way, according to Price and manager Joe Maddon, he should be back when he is eligible as neither expect an extended stay on the DL. Stick him on your bench for a couple weeks and then hope he regains his Cy Young form for the middle and latter parts of the season.

Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA).

King Felix left his last start against the Yankees earlier than he would have liked after tweaking his back. Hernandez was pitching a great game but came out after feeling some discomfort. All indications are that he is on schedule to make his next start this weekend. Hernandez has been stellar again and should be in your lineup no matter what. There is cause for concern with the back injury as something like that can tend to flare up again. But for now Hernandez appears fine so keep him in your lineup.

Bryce Harper (OF-WAS).

In case you haven’t seen the footage already, make sure you go find the video of Bryce Harper crashing into the right field wall against the Dodgers. No one can ever question Harper’s hustle or guts as he went face first into the wall. As expected, he missed a couple games but has already made an appearance as a pinch hitter later in the series. Harper should be back in the lineup for good any day, but if you play in daily leagues make sure you check the Nationals lineup and make sure he is in there. I don’t expect this incident to have any long-term effect on Harper who is having a terrific sophomore season.

Mark Teixeira (1B-NYY).

The saga of Mark Teixeira’s wrist injury has taken another turn as he proclaimed he will be back with the Yankees by June 1. That is a possibility assuming he has no setbacks and that he gets enough at bats and playing time during a rehab assignment. Wrist injuries for power hitters are concerning, especially since he didn’t have surgery to fix the problem. Teixeira will be a nice addition to your lineup if you have been stashing him, but don’t expect Teixeira-like power numbers right away. Remember, Teixeira is historically one of the slowest starters in baseball. So since June will be his April, you may not get much from him until close to the All Star break.

Josh Beckett (SP-LAD).

In what seems like an act of mercy for fantasy owners, Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett has been placed on the DL with a left groin strain. Beckett had to come out of his last start early and now becomes the latest Dodger pitcher to be sidelined with an injury. Beckett has been horrendous this season going 0-5 with an ERA over 5.00. If you have been starting him on your fantasy team, then your ERA and WHIP will immediately improve simply by his absence. He isn’t worth stashing so feel free to let him go if you can pursue someone else on the waiver wire.

Tony Cingrani (SP-CIN).

Rookie Reds’ pitcher Tony Cingrani has taken MLB and fantasy baseball by storm filling in admirably for Johnny Cueto. But Cueto is due back soon and Cingrani’s latest start has been pushed back with some shoulder soreness. Chances are he will be sent down to the minors so either stash him in a minor league spot if you have one or try and trade him while you can.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Tuesday-Friday 10 PM -1 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: J.J. Putz, Joel Hanrahan & More

Sun, 12 May 2013 22:01:08 -0700

Well, it was another eventful week in the world of fantasy baseball injuries. At this point you should be focusing on acquiring depth on your roster because the injuries continue to pile up. The revolving door of closers continues to spin, so you need to pay close attention to which pitchers are most likely to see save opportunities in the foreseeable future. So without further adieu, here is the Week 6 edition of the Walking Wounded.

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Roy Halladay (SP-PHI).

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know that there was something physically wrong with Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay. He has been abysmal for almost an entire year, but especially more so in 2013. After getting destroyed by the hapless Marlins, Halladay finally admitted he had discomfort in his shoulder. Sure enough, he requires surgery to remove a bone spur and also address a partially torn labrum. The Phillies and Halladay are optimistic that he can return at some point later in the season. Given he is a free agent, I am sure he wants nothing more than that. But it is anybody’s guess whether he can make a comeback in 2013. Right now, you should drop Halladay from your roster because he isn’t worth using a bench or DL slot unless you have an excessive amount of open slots.

Adrian Gonzalez (1B-LAD).

Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has been suffering from a neck strain this past week which caused him to miss a few games. Gonzalez will probably avoid the disabled list, but any further aggravation of the injury could cause the Dodgers to rethink that. Gonzalez is no longer a viable source of power at first base, but he can be counted on for a solid batting average and run production. Keep a close eye on his daily progress and be prepared to stream him in and out of the lineup until the Dodgers decide what to do with him.

A.J. Pierzynski (C-TEX).

The infamous oblique muscle has claimed another victim as Rangers catcher A.J. Pierzynski has landed on the DL. Pierzynski was in the midst of a solid inaugural season in Texas thus far, so this could be a big loss to fantasy owners who were getting good production from the catcher’s position. Oblique injuries typically take several weeks to heal, so Pierzynski could be out for an extended period of time – especially at his age. Geovany Soto is expected to get increased playing time and could be a decent temporary replacement in terms of power. But don’t expect him to help at all in terms of batting average.

Joel Hanrahan (RP-BOS) and Andrew Bailey (RP-BOS).

The Red Sox have gotten off to a surprisingly great start to the season, but things should get interesting now that their two closers are injured. Joel Hanrahan was acquired during the off-season and anointed the new closer. However, he has been a disaster and now finds himself on the disabled list for the second time this season. However, this time could be for quite some time as team officials confirmed he would be out for quite awhile. In fact, there have been discussions of placing Hanrahan on the 60-day DL to be able to make a move on the 40-man roster.

Hanrahan’s replacement, Andrew Bailey, filled in admirably for him collecting five saves in a short amount of time. However, Bailey also landed on the DL with a biceps injury. He isn’t expected to be out for an extended period of time, but Bailey does have a significant injury history. In the interm, Junichi Tazawa will assume closing duties. He is worth taking a flyer on in the free agent pool as he could pick up some saves in the next couple weeks.

J.J. Putz (RP-ARZ).

You may feel like a Putz if you have been relying on him in your fantasy baseball league. Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz is now sidelined with a strained ligament in his elbow. It doesn’t appear that he will need surgery, but he isn’t expected back any time soon. Putz has been awful this year blowing almost as many games as he has saved. Former closer Heath Bell returns to 9^th inning duties as he supplants Putz for Arizona. Bell was a disaster in 2012 with the Marlins, so it is questionable whether he regain his once dominant form. He picked up saves on back to back days since Putz went down, so that could be a sign he is back. He is certainly worth a waiver wire pick up.

Josh Reddick (OF-OAK).

It may have been humorous while Josh Reddick was having a competition with WWE superstar Daniel Bryan for having the longest, ugliest beard. But Reddick’s fantasy performance thus far has been anything but amusing. Reddick was stuck on one homerun and a batting average under .200. But now he finds himself on the DL with a wrist injury and could be out several weeks. Given how awful he has been, no one could blame you for setting him free instead of stashing him on your bench or DL. He had a great season in 2012, but he hasn’t done enough to justify keeping him through this injury.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Tuesday-Friday 10 PM -1 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Giancarlo Stanton, Jake Peavy & More

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:14:21 -0700

Another week and another slew of injuries. This week’s list contains some repeat offenders which means that you should have already been on notice of how susceptible they are to injury. Sure, anyone can sustain a freak injury. But there are some players that have a history of maladies which makes them inherent risks to draft and rely upon thereafter. Basically, you assumed the risk when you drafted some of these guys. Don’t blame them…blame yourselves. So without further adieu, here is the Week 5 edition of the Walking Wounded.

Giancarlo Stanton (OF-MIA).

Maybe Giancarlo should strongly consider changing his name back to Mike. The lone Marlin looked like he was starting to catch fire last weekend with three gargantuan homeruns. But during last Monday’s extra inning marathon against the Mets, Stanton felt his hamstring pop when he tried beating out an infield hit. He was diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain which isn’t the worst, but it also means he will miss significant time. The early estimate is that he will be out around a month, but hamstring injuries are very tough to nail down a specific time to. Stanton should most definitely be stashed on your bench or DL because he will be a great source for homeruns and RBI when he returns.

Josh Johnson (SP-TOR).

Well, Josh Johnson is on the disabled list. In other news, man invents fire. It seems like Johnson is always injured, and it didn’t take much time for that to come to fruition. The Blue Jays placed him on the DL with right triceps inflammation. The results haven’t been pretty thus far for Johnson who has yet to win a game and has an ERA just under 7.00 through four starts. He is worth holding on to assuming you have extra bench or DL slots on your roster. When healthy (which is rare), Johnson can be a very effective fantasy pitcher and also happens to be looking for a big free agent contract at the end of the season.

Carl Crawford (OF-LAD).

I have a self-created rivalry with Carl Crawford that began years ago when I became nauseous hearing lots of fantasy baseball experts wax poetic about him being a legitimate first round pick. He is one of the most overrated players in both real and fantasy baseball. The past couple years have been a disaster for Crawford who was returning from off-season surgery. Now he is suffering from a hamstring injury which could potentially cost him more time if he doesn’t show improvement soon. Crawford is still a player that relies on his legs and has fantasy value for his stolen bases and runs. With a bad wheel, his fantasy value goes down faster than a Kardashian in an NBA locker room. Monitor his progress daily and hope he can avoid the DL.

Kevin Youkilis (3B-NYY).

It never seems to end for the poor Yankees. After Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira all went down before the beginning of the season, Francisco Cervelli, Eduardo Nunez, Ivan Nova and Joba Chamberlain have joined them on the walking wounded list. You can now add Kevin Youkilis who was placed on the DL with a back injury. Youkilis has been banged up the past few years and this year is no different. He was becoming a solid starting option at third base with the revamped Yankees, but now he will miss a couple weeks. He is worth stashing on your DL because he will play almost every day when he comes back and the Yankees have proven they can score runs no matter who is in the lineup.

Jake Peavy (SP-CHW).

The oft-injured former Cy Young winner was scratched from his last start due to back spasms. Unfortunately fantasy owners missed out on Peavy pitching against the hapless Astros which likely would have been an automatic 10 strikeouts. Peavy has been very good thus far this season and is a solid starting option when healthy. Right now it looks like he will make his next scheduled start against the Mets which is another great matchup. The Mets strike out at an alarming rate so Peavy should have no problem getting back on track.

Brett Anderson (SP-OAK).

The nightmare continues for Brett Anderson who was placed on the DL after aggravating an ankle injury during a recent extra inning game in which he came out of the bullpen to pitch over five innings of relief. The ironic thing is that he was initially scratched from starting that game with the ankle injury and ended up making it worse after he came in to pitch anyway. Anderson has been brutal thus far and was marginally deserving of a bench spot on your roster. Unless you have a very deep bench or sufficient DL slots, Anderson isn’t worth stashing right now.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman & More

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:34:20 -0700

After a traumatic few weeks with serious injuries to several star players, we have returned to some semblance of normalcy in the fantasy baseball universe. That isn’t to say that your teams aren’t impacted by the newest rash of injuries and the implications they bring. But that is the beauty of fantasy baseball. Everyone is subject to the same risk of their players’ health betraying them. But those who can compensate for injuries are the ones who will ultimately set themselves apart from the rest of the competition. So without further adieu, here is the Week 4 edition of the Walking Wounded.

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Justin Verlander (SP-DET).

Before anyone freaks out about this, let’s be clear that Justin Verlander has a blister. He removed himself after the seventh inning of his start on Thursday to prevent the blister on his right thumb from getting worse and jeopardizing his next start. This was an intelligent move by Verlander who has been one of the most dominant and dependable pitchers for several years. At this point there is no reason to think he won’t make his next start. But if for some reason the blister doesn’t heal, you can bet that Jim Leyland will be overly cautious with his ace.

Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA).

King Felix won his 100^th game earlier this week but was removed after six shutout innings due to some back stiffness. There doesn’t appear to be any cause for concern at this point as Hernandez is on schedule to make his next start. But after signing such a lucrative long-term contract and seeing a dip in his velocity, any inkling of an injury would likely be met with an abundance of caution by the Mariners’ organization. However, Hernandez is a warrior and can be counted on to take the mound on his scheduled day.

Jason Heyward (OF-ATL).

Talk about a blessing in disguise. Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was placed on the disabled list after undergoing an appendectomy earlier this week. He is expected back once he is eligible to return, but be cautious with him. Heyward has gotten off to a horrendous start to the season and needs to show some consistent production before he can be trusted. Perhaps this time off will be the best thing to happen for Heyward who has some major adjustments to make if he wants to fulfill the expectations that many fantasy owners placed on him coming into 2013.

Ryan Zimmerman (3B-WAS).

Oft-injured Nationals’ third baseman Ryan Zimmerman made his annual trip to the disabled list with a strained hamstring. However the injury is considered minor as Zimmerman is already doing running and batting drills. Barring an unforeseen setback, he should be back when he is eligible to return in early May. For now, the Nationals top prospect Anthony Rendon has been called up to replace Zimmerman. However, this is merely a temporary stay as Washington’s management has stated that “even if Rendon hits .900 he is not replacing Ryan Zimmerman.” It’s been a rough start for Zimmerman so he is another player who could really benefit from this time off. Keep him on your DL and plug him right back into your lineup when he gets activated.

Derek Jeter (SS-NYY).

If you were expecting an 18^th consecutive season of 150 hits from Derek Jeter, then you will be sorely disappointed. Jeter has been recovering from a fractured ankle sustained during the 2012 playoffs but has suffered several setbacks. It was originally thought Jeter could be back by May 1, but he reinjured the ankle and has been shut down again. The Yankees announced that they hope to have him back some time after the All-Star break. Many fantasy owners drafted him in the later rounds as a sleeper since he can still help with runs scored and batting average. Now the question becomes whether he is valuable enough to be stashed in leagues without deep rosters or DL spots. I would advise that he should only be stashed if you have sufficient slots available. Otherwise, set him free because there are more valuable players worth having.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Tuesday-Friday 10 PM -1 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Jose Reyes, Zach Grienke & More

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:28:08 -0700

It seems fitting that the 50^th anniversary of General Hospital just passed because the fantasy baseball world has become an infirmary. Thousands of fantasy baseball teams saw some of their star players go down with devastating injuries during Week 2. Even though it is still very early in the season, you need to be aggressive when trying to compensate for the loss of some of your players who may be out for quite some time. You must scour the waiver wire religiously and be persistent when trying to make trades. So without further adieu, here is the Week 3 edition of the Walking Wounded.

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Jose Reyes (SS-TOR).

After the Blue Jays acquired Jose Reyes in the offseason blockbuster trade with the Marlins, there were questions about whether he would be able to stay healthy playing 81 games on the turf at the Rogers Centre. The good news is he didn’t get hurt playing on the turf. Instead, Reyes suffered a bad case of indecision as he made a late attempt to slide into second base on a steal attempt. As a result, he badly injured his ankle which prompted screams of pain and an outburst of emotion. It was initially thought that Reyes could miss up to three months, but a recent MRI revealed no fracture or structural damage. Given the severity of the injury, Reyes will miss at least 4 weeks and likely more. For a player who relies so heavily on his speed, this is a huge cause for concern for fantasy owners who were depending on 100 runs scored and 50 stolen based. You should seek an alternative if you can because it is unknown when Reyes will be back and whether he will be at full strength.

Zack Greinke (SP-LAD).

Zack Greinke sustained a broken collarbone in a bench-clearing brawl with Carlos Quentin and the San Diego Padres. This was one of the most unfortunate and unnecessary injuries I can think of in recent memory. Greinke hit Quentin on a 3-2 pitch in a one-run game. Anyone who knows baseball would know that Greinke was NOT intending to hit Quentin despite their history from the American League. Nonetheless, Quentin charged the mound and Greinke lowered his left shoulder to take the hit. Now Greinke will be out 6-8 weeks. Stash him on your bench and find a replacement.

Giancarlo Stanton (OF-MIA).

The lone Marlin has yet to hit a homerun this year, and now he finds himself on the Injury Report. Stanton injured his shoulder diving for a ball in the outfield and then missed several games last week. An MRI didn’t reveal any damage and Stanton is expected back later this week. Even without any protection in the lineup, Stanton will still hit 30 homeruns this year assuming he is healthy. Keep an eye on whether his shoulder causes any ongoing issues in terms of his power output.

Jose Bautista (OF-TOR).

First it was his ankle. Now it is his back. I was one of the people during mock draft season who was waxing poetic about Bautista being a great value pick in the early to middle second round of most 12-team leagues. People were concerned about his wrist injury sapping his power. Well, his wrist seems fine. It’s the rest of him that can’t stay healthy. Bautista will likely gain eligibility at third base while Jose Reyes is out, so that is good news. He just needs to get himself on the field in order to do that. Bautista has become quite frustrating for weekly fantasy leagues.

Dexter Fowler (OF-COL).

I pegged Dexter Fowler as a breakout candidate heading into the 2013 season, and he was proving me right during the first 10 games. But then he fouled a ball off of his foot which has caused him to miss some time during Week 3. Fortunately x-rays came back negative so Fowler should return to action soon. As he matures and gets stronger, he will rely less and less on his speed and become more of a slugging percentage type player. He is certainly someone to target in a deal if you want to pounce on a fellow league member’s fear of this current minor injury.

OTHER NOTABLES:

Johnny Cueto (SP-CIN) – placed on the DL with a strained right lat and should miss 3-4 starts. If you can, pick up rookie Tony Cingrani who will replace Cueto in the Reds’ rotation.

Aaron Hill (2B-ARZ) – placed on the DL with a broken left hand. He should miss 4-6 weeks and is questionable whether he is worthy of being stashed on your DL.

Michael Bourn (OF-CLE) – he will miss up to a week after sustaining a laceration on his hand while sliding. He will be back once the stitches are removed, so just keep track of when that will be later in the week.

Joel Hanrahan (RP-BOS) – it has been a struggle thus far for Boston’s new closer who was placed on the DL with a sore hamstring. It is not a given that he will have the closer’s job when he returns, so consider Andrew Bailey as an alternative.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Tuesday-Friday 10 PM -1 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Week 2

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:00:55 -0700

One week is in the books as we start Week 2 of the fantasy baseball season. It hasn’t taken long for impact players to sustain injuries that will affect your teams in both the short and long-term. Amazingly, this week’s Injury Report does not contain a New York Yankee, so that is good news for those of you relying on the backup Bronx Bombers. So without further adieu, here is the Week 2 edition of the Walking Wounded.

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Freddie Freeman (1B-ATL).

This seemingly came out of nowhere and surprised Freddie Freeman as much as fantasy owners. Freeman got off to a great start during Week 1 but appeared to grimace in pain as he ran to first base over the weekend. He suffered a mild oblique strain at the end of spring training but seemed willing and able to play through it. But the Braves decided to be overly cautious and placed him on the disabled list hoping to prevent a sustained trip to the DL later on. While that makes sense, it is frustrating for fantasy owners who are relying on Freeman to be a great source of power, run production and batting average in a loaded Atlanta lineup. Absolutely stash him on your DL or bench. In the interim, look for Chris Johnson to play first base with Juan Francisco getting most of the playing time at third base.

Jered Weaver (SP-LAA).

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Angels ace pitcher Jered Weaver sustained a fracture in his non-pitching elbow and will be sidelined between 4-6 weeks. The good news is that it isn’t his pitching arm. But that won’t help fantasy owners who drafted him as a staff ace. Clearly he should be stashed on your bench or DL. If you need a short-term filler in your starting rotation, Garrett Richards is the most likely candidate to replace Weaver on the Angels’ staff.

Yu Darvish (SP-TEX).

After coming one out away from a perfect game in his first start of the season, Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish looked human again during his second start. It turns out he had a blister on his pitching hand which could have affected his performance. Texas anticipated that Darvish will make his next start and doesn’t expect the blister to be a lingering problem. It is anybody’s guess whether or not that is true, but it is something to consider if you are expecting dominant performances like he had in his first start. However, keep in mind he was facing an awful Houston lineup that couldn’t against Henry Rowengartner before he broke his arm. Darvish is a solid fantasy pitcher with tremendous potential, but temper your expectations to fall somewhere in between the results of his first two starts. Keep an eye on him to see whether he struggles again in his next start or if the blister becomes an ongoing problem.

Aramis Ramirez (3B-MIL).

It has been a rough few months for third basemen. After missing a couple weeks during spring training, Aramis Ramirez re-aggravated a left knee injury and was placed on the disabled list. Ramirez has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers over the years and was off to a good start this season. Hopefully he will only miss a couple weeks, but at this point the length of his absence is unknown. There are no viable fantasy alternatives on the Brewers, so you will have to look elsewhere for a replacement at third base. Keep him stashed and hope he is able to stay healthy once he comes back.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Tuesday-Friday 10 PM -1 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Week 1

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 21:19:48 -0700

Finally, baseball is back. After what felt like the never-ending spring training because of the World Baseball Classic, we finally have games that mean something. The 2013 season is officially underway which means it is time to start worrying which one of your players is the next to get admitted to the infirmary. We are only a few days into the season and injuries are mounting already. So without further adieu, here is the first 2013 regular season edition of the Walking Wounded.

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Hiroki Kuroda (SP-NYY)

It has been said before but must be said again…it would not be a complete Injury Report without a New York Yankee. The sky is falling on the Bronx as another member of the Pinstripes has fallen. Hiroki Kuroda was struck on the fingers of his pitching hand on a ball hit by Boston outfielder Shane Victorino in the second game of the season. Kuroda was able to remain in the game but only lasted a short while longer after hitting two batters and walking another. Right now there doesn’t appear to be any significant damage and he should be able to make his next scheduled start during Week 2. But it can never make a fantasy baseball owner feel comfortable when one of his pitchers is hit on his pitching hand. Keep checking his status over the weekend and put him in your lineup assuming there are no lingering issues.

David Ortiz (DH-BOS)

Red Sox DH David Ortiz started the season on the disabled list as he recovers from his Achilles injuries to both heels. He could begin playing extended spring training games next week and optimistically could be back by Week 3 of the season. However, Ortiz must be able to demonstrate that he is healed sufficiently. Keep him stashed on your DL or bench until he comes back. When healthy, he is still a great source for power, run production, and batting average.

Brett Lawrie (3B-TOR).

It has been a nightmare for third baseman this spring in terms of injuries. You can add Brett Lawrie of the Blue Jays to that list as he begins the season on the DL with a strained oblique. Toronto seems to believe he will be back within a couple weeks, but as we know from experience with other players oblique strains can take awhile to recover from. Lawrie had a disappointing season in 2012 but should thrive hitting in the middle of the Blue Jays’ overhauled lineup. He is certainly worth stashing on your bench or DL, but be prepared to have an alternative option at third base for a few weeks until he can come back.

Scott Kazmir (SP-CLE)

After making a remarkable comeback during spring training and getting anointed the Indians’ fifth starter, Scott Kazmir finds himself back on the shelf for the time being. Kazmir is suffering from an oblique strain and was sent for an MRI. He hasn’t officially been placed on the DL at the time of this writing, but chances are he will end up there as oblique strains are hardly ever recovered from in a quick manner. Kazmir had minimal fantasy value coming into the season, so he would only be worth stashing if you have a very deep bench, unlimited DL spots, or if you own a Victor Zambrano voodoo doll.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Thursday/Saturday 10 PM- 1 AM EST, Sunday 4 PM to 7 PM EST and Wednesday 11:00 PM EST to 1:00 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210. We want to hear from you! 888-XM-FANTASY (963-2682)

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Mark Teixeira

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 22:22:32 -0700

The weekly Injury Report is supposed to cover players from all Major League Baseball teams. However, it feels as though this has become a New York Yankees blog since several of these articles have focused on the Bronx Bombers. Well why stop now? With Opening Day just a few weeks away and drafts taking place every day, it is absolutely critical that you plan accordingly when strategizing how to value players on the shelf. So without further adieu, here is the eighth installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Mark Teixeira (1B-NYY).

This year was supposed to be different for Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira. After signing a lucrative long-term deal prior to the 2009 season, Teixeira has admittedly not lived up to his contract. While generally speaking his power numbers and run production are in line with his past production (despite 2012 in which he missed time due to injuries), Teixeira has seen his batting average plummet and established himself as a one-dimensional hitter.

Long gone are his days of hitting .280 - .290. Now, Teixeira struggles just to reach .250. Opposing teams have employed drastic shifts against him as he is unable to adjust his swing and hit the ball the other way. He has been a relative albatross in the playoffs. But despite all of that, fantasy baseball players could at least count on 30 homeruns and 100 RBI from the switch-hitting first baseman who has the luxury of playing half his games at Yankee Stadium.

Then, while practicing on Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, Teixeira injured his wrist taking swings off a tee. Initially he was reported to be shut down for 8-10 days. But after flying back to New York for tests, it was revealed that he injured the tendon in his wrist and would be out between 8-10 weeks. That means he will not be back until May at the earliest.

This injury is alarming for several reasons. First of all, a wrist injury to a power hitter is akin to a hamstring injury to a base stealer. We have already discussed the concern over Jose Bautista’s return from his wrist injury, but he had surgery to repair the damage and has the benefit of an entire spring training. On the other hand, Teixeira is simply resting the wrist and will resume baseball activities when he is medically cleared.

For purposes of your draft, Teixeira could be problematic because he typically gets off to very slow starts. Since his season won’t begin until at least May, it is very likely that he won’t start producing, if at all, until sometime in June. That is an awfully long time to wait.

There is no doubt that Teixeira’s average draft position will plummet as a result of this injury. The question is where in the draft does he become a value pick? With so many other options at first base, he should not be taken before the 10^th round in almost any format. That differs from someone like Curtis Granderson who is also out until May, but he will likely still be drafted by the 6^th or 7^th round simply because there is a lack of power-hitting outfielders.

If you draft Teixeira, make sure it is only as a corner infield/utility position on your roster. He can have great value if you build a strong roster around him and can afford to stash him on your bench. As desperate as the Yankees will be to get him back in their depleted lineup, they will not rush him back and risk further long-term damage requiring a more extended absence. Draft him with caution and make sure you don’t spend an early round draft pick or significant auction dollars on him.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Curtis Granderson

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:15:47 -0800

For the past six weeks, we have taken a look at several star players who missed significant time during the 2012 season because of injury and were making their way back for 2013. We will deviate from that theme this week because we have suffered spring training’s first fantasy baseball casualty after just a couple days. This injury will affect many fantasy drafts, so its significance should not be downplayed. So without further adieu, here is the seventh installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Curtis Granderson (OF-NYY)

In just the second spring training game of the year, Yankees outfielder Curtis Granderson fractured his right forearm when he was hit by a J.A. Happ pitch. Early reports are that Granderson will miss up to ten weeks which means it won’t be until May before he realistically comes back.

Granderson is an all-or-nothing type of fantasy player. He has good power which is (let’s be honest) exacerbated by the friendly dimensions of Yankee Stadium. However, he is wildly inconsistent and undisciplined as evidenced by his .232 batting average and 195 strikeouts in 2012. As great as his 43 homeruns, 106 RBI and 102 runs scored appear, he is still a frustrating player to own in fantasy leagues because of his inability to consistently put the ball in play.

Coming in to 2013, Granderson was viewed as a 3^rd round option in many fantasy baseball formats. The fact that he is a free agent at the end of 2013 also increased his value because he will be playing for a big pay day. But now that we know he will be out until at least May, his fantasy value takes a big hit too.

It is not uncommon to draft players who we know will begin the season on the disabled list. Some players possess such tremendous value that it is worth waiting several weeks before plugging them into your lineup. Granderson is not in an elite category that would justify using an early round pick or significant auction dollars to stash him on your bench for over a month.

This could have significant ramifications in many drafts because it means Granderson would become a real sleeper the more hesitant people are to draft him. Once the 5^th or 6^th round comes along and Granderson is still available, then he becomes a true value pick. This is based on the assumption that Granderson returns fully healthy and has no further setbacks. If he can come back by May 15, there is no reason to think he won’t still hit 30 homeruns and drive in 85 runs. That would be great production for a 5^th or 6^th round pick.

With Granderson out of commission for several weeks, the Yankees will likely turn to internal options to replace him temporarily. Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera will each receive an opportunity for playing time in left field while Brett Gardner plays center field. Diaz and Rivera haven’t been major fantasy contributors as part-time players for most of their careers. But now they are possible late round draft options simply because they may get playing time.

However, the player to keep an eye on for real fantasy value in this situation is Eduardo Nunez. Nunez might be one of the worst defensive infielders in recent memory, but he can hit and steal bases so he continues to get opportunities. Now that the Yankees have a temporary vacancy in the outfield, it makes sense that they give Nunez a chance to play. He would have eligibility at multiple positions, and he can produce respectable numbers in all roto categories if given sufficient at bats.

At the end of the day, Granderson will be back and should resume his all-or-nothing production that we have come to expect from him. But don’t go out and spend an early pick or top auction dollars on him. The 4-5 weeks he will miss at the beginning of the regular season are important from a fantasy perspective, so be sure you can afford to stash him on your bench while he recuperates.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Mariano Rivera

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:00:24 -0800

It is now time to say those three words that baseball fans love more than anything during the cold and snowy winter – pitchers and catchers. Spring training is upon us as we continue analyzing and evaluating players coming back from serious injuries or missed time in 2012. We have spent the past several weeks looking at players such as Carl Crawford, Victor Martinez, Jose Bautista, and Roy Halladay. Now let’s turn our attention to a relief pitcher whose comeback could provide great value in the always volatile saves category. So without further adieu, here is the fifth installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Mariano Rivera (RP-NYY).

We can all remember that infamous day in Kansas City in 2012. It was a normal day before a ballgame between the Yankees and Royals. Mariano Rivera was in the outfield shagging fly balls like he did before every game. And then one misstep on the warning track changed everything. Rivera badly injured his knee requiring season-ending surgery which called into question whether he would retire or not. Sure enough, Rivera didn’t want to go out that way and is coming back for at least one more season.

Rivera is unquestionably the greatest closer of all-time, but he has rarely been regarded as the greatest fantasy closer. It is hard to imagine the all-time leader in saves not being regarded as the top ranked closer in fantasy baseball, but that is generally the truth. Perhaps that is because he has only led the league in saves three times. But there is a perfectly logical reason for that. During Rivera’s entire tenure as the Yankees’ closer, New York has had so many dominating teams that there were not as many saves opportunities as other closers were presented with.

He has racked up an incredible 608 saves over the course of a 17-year career. Without question he has proved to be reliable, dependable, consistent, and dominant. But what can we expect from him in 2013? After all, Rivera would be retired right now if not for that freak injury in Kansas City. He did not want his career to end that way, so he is coming back to pitch at 43 years old and returning from a major knee injury.

Part of what makes Rivera so special is that he has maintained his success and dominance with basically one pitch in his arsenal – the cut fastball. Even though he has lost some miles per hour over the past few years, he throws it with such precision and movement that it is still unhittable. There is no reason to think he cannot continue to do the same thing in 2013.

Of course it remains to be seen whether there are any lingering effects from the surgery or the injury. But Rivera’s delivery and mechanics are flawless, so you can be assured that he won’t suffer any setbacks due to poor habits being developed.

If you are concerned about him “losing it” at age 43, think again. Look back at the last decade when Rivera was already past his alleged prime. Take 2012 out of the equation because he only pitched in nine games before the injury. Since 2003, he has had only ONE season with an ERA above 2.00, and that would be the “abomination” of 3.15 in 2007. He followed up that off year but putting up ERA’s of 1.40, 1.76, 1.80 and 1.91 from 2008-2011 respectively. Yes those numbers were trending the wrong way, but they were all under 2.00!

Mariano Rivera will undoubtedly be ready for Opening Day and can be a real bargain for you in your drafts. It is hard to imagine overlooking or even forgetting about him, but you can guarantee that he will be off people’s radar more this year than ever. Let other fantasy owners spend early round picks or significant auction dollars on the studs like Craig Kimbrel and Jonathan Papelbon. If you bide your time and maintain patience, you can likely grab Rivera in the later rounds for maximum value. The Yankees will likely regress this year thanks to the makeup of their roster and the vast improvements other teams made. But they should have no problem reaching 85-88 wins with Rivera getting to save almost half of them.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

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2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Roy Halladay

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:10:54 -0800

As February begins, we can start to imagine the snow and ice thawing as pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Hope springs eternal for all MLB teams, as well as fantasy owners. We have spent the past several weeks looking at some players who were coming back after serious injuries from 2012, including Carl Crawford, Victor Martinez, and Jose Bautista. Now let’s take a look at a former multiple time Cy Young award winner who missed some time in 2012 and is looking to rebound from a sub-par season (for his standards). So without further adieu, here is the fourth installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Roy Halladay (SP-PHI).

The Phillies had been perennial NL East champions for several years thanks in large part to their starting pitching which boasted some of the best arms in baseball. One of those arms belongs to Roy Halladay who has thrived since arriving in Philadelphia prior to the 2010 season. Halladay had remained healthy since 2006, but he missed eight starts in 2012 due to a strained right lat. Even before he went down with the injury, he did not look like the same pitcher we had seen for years prior.

There were several statistics which were alarming for Halladay’s fantasy owners. In 2012, his ERA increased by over two runs which is staggering. He also walked one more batter in 2012 than he did in 2011, but in over 77 less innings. And in those 77 less innings, Halladay surrendered eight more homeruns.

It is quite possible that we can simply chalk this up to Halladay having a down year due to the injury. But for pitchers, shoulder ailments are even scarier than elbow issues. Halladay has thrown a lot of innings and pitches with his right arm, and it may be starting to catch up with him. After all, he will turn 36 years old this season and is likely on the down side of his career.

Reports out of Philadelphia indicate that Halladay has started throwing off a mound and has been working on his mechanics and delivery throughout the offseason. But the truth is that we really won’t know whether Halladay has any ill effects until well into spring training when he starts throwing at full velocity and gets extended pitch counts. This is worrisome for fantasy owners who need to know what to expect from one of the greatest pitchers of this generation.

As you prepare for your draft, you can safely demote Halladay from the upper echelon of pitchers where he has been for many years. The shoulder injury and drop in performance are big enough red flags to move him down the rankings. That being said, he could be a great value pick in the later rounds because a bounce-back cannot be completely discounted given Halladay’s track record and skill set. While Halladay has been surpassed by teammates Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee in terms of fantasy value, he can still be valuable in the middle of your rotation assuming you have someone more dependable at the top.

Granted, spring training statistics do not mean much in terms of predicting production during the regular season. However, you should monitor Halladay’s progress in spring training specifically looking at his velocity and whether he has his vintage late movement through the strike zone.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

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2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Jose Bautista

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:21:38 -0800

The calendar is about to turn to February and pitchers and catchers will be reporting within a couple weeks. We will soon get a chance to see several players coming back from serious injuries and get a better sense on how well recovered they are and whether their fantasy baseball value will return to pre-injury status. After profiling Carl Crawford and Victor Martinez, this week’s column will focus on former homerun champion Jose Bautista. Joey Bats was a bona fide top ten pick the past couple years, but a serious wrist injury has cast some doubt as to his capabilities. So without further adieu, here is the third installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Jose Bautista (OF-TOR).

When Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista exploded in 2010 with 54 home runs, many fantasy baseball pundits were skeptical over whether he was truly an elite fantasy player. Then he slugged an impressive 43 bombs in 2011 and subsequently established himself as one of the best fantasy players around. In 2012, he started off slowly, especially in terms of his batting average. Then the power came back and he was on his way to another 50 home run campaign when one swing ended all of that.

On July 17, 2012, Bautista injured a tendon in his left wrist and was only able to play two more games before requiring season-ending surgery in early September. Nothing scares fantasy owners more about a power hitter than a wrist injury.

According to ESPN.com, Bautista has been swinging a bat for over a month and is also taking live batting practice. He reported that he was pain-free and had a full range of motion in his wrist. That is great news, but take it with a grain of salt because Bautista hasn’t faced live pitching since the surgery.

Bautista has one of the most violent swings in baseball and generates a tremendous amount of power with his hands and arms. It will be very interesting to see whether this injury has any impact on his ability hot for power. But even if you are worried that he may not reach 40 home runs this year, there is still plenty of optimism in drafting him early. Toronto’s offense was already solid, but the additions of Jose Reyes and Melky Cabrera will help increase Bautista’s RBI totals and given him plenty of opportunities to hit with men on base.

Another thing to consider with Bautista is the fact that he loses eligibility at third base this year. This won’t have a major impact on his value, but it cannot be understated how advantageous it was to be able to play him at a very weak third base position. Now he is only eligible as an outfielder which is a deep position as it usually is in most seasons.

Most likely, Bautista will slip out of the top ten in a lot of snake drafts. This is because of the injury, as well as the emergence of other players into the upper echelon. If that is the case, don’t hesitate in grabbing Bautista between picks 12-20. You will be getting great value there. If you are in an auction league, it is understandable to think twice before spending $40 on him. But at the end of the day, you won’t regret it if you have to go that high or even a smidge higher.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Saturday 10 PM- 1 AM EST, Sunday 5 PM to 8 PM EST and Wednesday 11:00 PM EST to 1:00 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210.

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Victor Martinez

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 22:03:31 -0800

We are now less than a month away from spring training which means fantasy baseball draft season will be heating up real soon. As you make your preparations and strategize where to target your sleepers, it is critical to consider players who were injured significant in 2012 because they may have fallen off people’s radar. Last week we profiled Dodgers’ outfielder Carl Crawford who is returning from Tommy John surgery. This week, let’s take a look at a player who missed all of 2012 with a knee injury – Victor Martinez. So without further adieu, here is the first installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Victor Martinez (C-DET).

It is funny how some things work out because of an unfortunate incident to someone else. A classic baseball analogy would be when Yankees’ third baseman Aaron Boone injured himself after the 2003 season which prompted the Yankees to go acquire Alex Rodriguez. Clearly the results have been a mixed bag with A-Rod, but his acquisition was a direct result of Boone’s injury. After the 2011 season, Tigers’ catcher Victor Martinez also suffered a knee injury leaving a gaping hole in Detroit’s lineup. That is what prompted the Tigers to acquire Prince Fielder who helped lead them to the World Series.

Now Martinez is on schedule to be ready for Opening Day. However, at 34 years old and coming off a serious knee injury, it is highly doubtful he will do much catching for the Tigers this year with Alex Avila and Brayan Pena in the fold. That could inhibit his fantasy value since he will likely only qualify as a DH or utility player if he doesn’t get enough games in the field.

This is not unprecedented as there have been a plethora of players who didn’t qualify at a position during the season. Some recent examples include David Ortiz, Frank Thomas, and Edgar Martinez. But Martinez was an extremely valuable fantasy catcher because of his ability to hit for a high average and drive in runs. The question now is what his value will be solely as a DH or utility player for the time being.

Realistically, his power numbers have been on the decline and playing a majority of his games at Comerica Park limits his power potential. In his first and only healthy season in Detroit in 2011, he hit an astounding .330 and drove in 103 runs. However, he only had 12 homeruns all season. While these numbers would be perfectly acceptable and exemplary for a catcher, it is another story to expect a repeat performance for a DH or utility player.

Most likely your league has a minimum number of games that a player must have played in the previous or current season to qualify at a position. Obviously since Martinez missed all of 2012, he would only qualify as a DH or utility player at draft time. It has been reported that the Tigers would only use Martinez as a third-string emergency catcher behind Avila and Pena. This makes it highly unlikely that Martinez will qualify at catcher again.

That being said, Martinez is someone who will likely be available in the later rounds of most drafts because he doesn’t have a position and people tend to forget about him since he missed all of last year. This is why he could be a real value pick in the later rounds or for less expensive auction dollars. Even without many more than 15 homeruns, Martinez will still hit for a high average and drive in a fair share of runs batting behind the likes of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder.

Depending on when your draft is, keep monitoring his progress during spring training to ensure that his knee holds up and that he will be healthy enough to start the season. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, expect him to be in the Opening Day lineup. If that is the case, don’t hesitate to scoop him up at the right time during your draft.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

Listen to The Fantasy Alarm Show Saturday 10 PM- 1 AM EST, Sunday 5 PM to 8 PM EST and Wednesday 11:00 PM EST to 1:00 AM EST on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio XM channel 87/Sirius 210.

2013 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Carl Crawford OF Dodgers

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 21:54:52 -0800

Happy and healthy new year to everyone. Speaking of healthy, this marks the return of the weekly Fantasy Baseball Injury Report for Fantasy Alarm. Pitchers and catchers are set to report within a month and the World Baseball Classic is also around the corner. Now is the time to start preparing for your upcoming drafts or making decisions on which players you want to keep in dynasty leagues. Some of these decisions are no-brainers, but others are a little trickier. For the next several weeks, I will be profiling players who were injured for a majority of 2012 and will likely be making a comeback at some point in 2013. So without further adieu, here is the first installment of the Walking Wounded for the 2013 fantasy baseball season.

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Player Profile: Carl Crawford (OF-LAD)

There are certain baseball players that are quite polarizing when it comes to discussions about their value in fantasy baseball. Carl Crawford happens to be one of them. He has always been considered a rotisserie darling because of his propensity for a .300 batting average along with high stolen base totals. In true contract year form, he had a terrific season in 2010 before departing Tampa Bay for an insanely lucrative free agent deal with the Boston Red Sox. Needless to say, it has been all downhill from there.

Let’s be honest, Crawford was good for stolen bases. That’s about it. Sure he is a career .292 hitter, but he has never done better than .315 in 2007. Yes he can score runs, but he has only topped 100 for a season three times maxing out at 110 in 2010. But between 2003-2007, he led the American League in stolen bases four times. He then set a career high with 60 stolen bases in 2009. That is where his value was, yet fantasy baseball players and pundits all revered Crawford as an upper-echelon outfield option. I have disagreed with that opinion for several years.

In 2013, Crawford will turn 32 years old. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to surmise that players who rely on their legs and speed will have declining skills and abilities as they get older (unless they are using PED’s which has never been suspected of Crawford). Irrespective of his ability to steal bases, the fact is that Crawford is coming back from Tommy John surgery. Since he is not a pitcher, his recovery time and healing process is slightly quicker. But we all know players need their arms and elbows to swing a bat, and it remains to be seen whether this injury will have any lingering effects on him.

Crawford has never become a power hitter as his career high in homeruns is only 19 which he achieved in 2010. That same year he also peaked in runs batted in with 90. Now coming off a major surgery to his throwing arm, it is reasonable not to expect any type of power surge at this point in his career. And because the operation was on his throwing arm, it is probable that Crawford will be given sporadic days off to rest.

So what does all of this mean for Crawford’s fantasy value in 2013? For starters, it is hard to imagine things getting much worse than they were in 2011 and 2012. He was traded last year to Los Angeles, so he is going to get every opportunity to justify his exorbitant contract that was absorbed by the Dodgers new ownership.

Now that he has been medically cleared to resume baseball activities, all indications are that he will be ready for spring training and Opening Day. It can’t be denied that Crawford will be hitting in a potent lineup that includes Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Adrian Gonzalez and Andre Ethier. If all goes well, Crawford could easily score over 100 runs leading off in that lineup. But with so many big bangers hitting behind him, it is likely that his stolen base attempts will be scaled back.

As you prepare for your fantasy baseball drafts, you should keep Crawford on your radar as, dare I say it, a sleeper. It is hard to imagine referring to a veteran player with a $140,000,000 contract a sleeper, but in this case I think it is appropriate. Crawford, once regarded as a first round pick in many roto leagues, has likely fallen off people’s radar especially due to his arm injury. But if you can grab him later in the draft as a second or third outfielder, you will likely be pleasantly surprised. Under no circumstances should Crawford be revered as an OF1, but his peripheral stats justify him as an OF2 or OF3.

Be warned not to overspend or draft him too early. There is a finite and limited value that Crawford can bring to your fantasy team. If someone else wants to overspend on him, then let them do that. There are plenty of other players available that can give you a decent batting average with some runs scored and stolen bases. Remember, you need to pay for what to expect and not what once was.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free reach me at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Twitter (@FantasyJudgment).

2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Giancarlo Stanton, Dan Haren & More

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:44:46 -0700

Happy holidays to everyone as we celebrate America’s birthday. Nothing is more American than baseball, especially fantasy baseball. This week is no different than any other week with big names getting banged up and wreaking havoc on fantasy teams. Because of the holidays, travel, and other commitments, I am limited with time this week. So without further adieu, here is a truncated edition of the walking wounded.

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1. Dan Haren (SP-LAA). Angels pitcher Dan Haren has been uncharacteristically horrendous over the past month. He mentioned some back soreness as a possible reason for his struggles. This is not good news for fantasy owners as a stint on the disabled list is a good possibility. Haren is typically a reliable fantasy option, but this injury should cause you concern to start thinking of alternatives for the time being.

2. Giancarlo Stanton (OF-MIA). Slugger Giancarlo Stanton missed several games this week with a “loose body” in his knee. He is hoping to play this weekend and avoid having surgery until the off-season. Stanton has been streaky this year, but when he has been hot he has been a monster. He will try and play through the pain but acknowledges he will likely need an operation at some point to remedy the situation. If he misses any more time, he could land on the disabled list.

3. Andrew Cashner (SP-SD). Talk about bad timing. Padres’ rookie Andrew Cashner, the player obtained in the Anthony Rizzo trade last winter, had just been called back up to San Diego after being extended in the minor leagues for a spot in the starting rotation. In just his second start, he suffered a lat injury which has forced him to the disabled list. He likely won’t be back until sometime in August. Keep him stashed on your bench or DL because he will get a chance to pitch down the stretch. The hard-throwing youngster has shown he has the tools and talent to be a dominating starting pitcher.

4. Chris Carpenter (SP-STL). In case you were holding out hope that the former Cy Young Award winner might be back at some point this year, you can now cut your losses. Chris Carpenter is officially done for the year as he needs shoulder surgery. The oft-injured Cardinals pitcher has been through this before and been able to come back. However, at 37 years old, it is unknown what he will have left for next year after he recovers. You can drop him and clear a roster spot.

5. Will Middlebrooks (3B-BOS). The Red Sox seem to be struggling to decide whether to put rookie third baseman Will Middlebrooks on the disabled list. He is suffering from a hamstring injury yet again and has missed several games this week. Middlebrooks also missed time back in May with a similar injury but was able to avoid the DL. Now that Kevin Youkilis has been traded, Middlebrooks is needed more than ever at the hot corner. Keep a close eye on his progress and don’t be surprised if he does end up on the DL because we all know that hamstring injuries require a sufficient amount of rest to fully heal. With Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury expected back soon, Boston should be able to withstand a lack of offense at third base for a little while.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jason Bay (OF-NYM). Jason Bay should be starting a rehab assignment later this week as he recovers from his latest concussion. Unfortunately this means he is not far away from a return to the Mets lineup. He has not shown any indication that he can be relied on as a viable fantasy option, so don’t bother wasting your time, energy, or free agent auction dollars on him until he proves he can stay on the field for at least three days in a row and actually hit a ball in fair territory.

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2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Andre Ethier, Andy Pettitte & More

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 20:51:21 -0700

After a sluggish start to the season, the New York Yankees have exploded in June and now have the best record in baseball. A lot of their success has been because of great starting pitching up and down their rotation. However, in a matter of 24 hours, the Yankees lost their #1 and #2 starters to injuries. This proves that no one is immune to the injury bug. It also means that you have more obstacles to overcome in your fantasy baseball league. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

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1. C.C. Sabathia (SP-NYY). The Yankees placed ace pitcher C.C. Sabathia on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain. Sabathia was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his left adductor muscle which he suffered in the fourth inning of his last start and told the team following a bullpen session Tuesday. This is the least severe type of strain and he is expected to be back immediately after the All-Star break.

2. Ryan Braun (OF-MIL). Controversial National League MVP Ryan Braun was hit by a pitch in his left elbow on Tuesday. He was left out of the lineup on Wednesday after stating that he couldn’t bend his arm. There is no need to panic yet as Milwaukee has an off day on Thursday to allow him to rest. But if the pain persists, Braun could be out a bit longer. Keep an eye on Braun’s status by the weekend and hopefully he is able to get back out on the field.

3. Andre Ethier (OF-LAD). Dodgers outfielder Andre Ethier left Wednesday’s game with an apparent oblique injury when sliding awkwardly into second base. The extent of the injury is unknown, but this is not good news for fantasy teams who have come to rely on Ethier’s solid batting average and run production. Oblique injuries tend to take awhile to heal, so this could mean a trip to the DL depending on how severe the strain is. Keep a close eye on any more news coming from Los Angeles about this injury.

4. Brandon Phillips (2B-CIN). Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips left Wednesday’s game early after being hit in the head by Aramis Ramirez’s forearm on a stolen base attempt. Phillips stayed in the game initially but was removed by Dusty Baker as a precautionary move. Phillips likely won’t miss any time, but check his progress and make sure he is back in the lineup.

5. Andy Pettitte (SP-NYY). After C.C. Sabathia was placed on the disabled list, another Yankee pitcher has gone down. Andy Pettitte sustained a fractured left ankle from a comebacker and will likely be out six weeks. Fortunately the injury will not require surgery, but Pettitte will need crutches and a walking boot. Or, he could opt to use HGH again to help heal faster. Hopefully he won’t mis-remember anything this time if he does decide to do that. Keep him stashed on your bench or DL.

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6. Clay Buchholz (SP-BOS). Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox was finally released from the hospital after suffering from esophagitis and gastrointestinal bleeding. The illness caused Buchholz to lose three pounds and landed him on the disabled list. There is no indication yet whether Buchholz will return when he is eligible to come back. Boston should be cautious with him and make sure he has regained his strength and endurance before sending him back on the mound. After a horrendous start to the season, Buchholz found himself on many waiver wires and has pitched sensationally before this illness. Keep him stashed if you have room on your roster.

7. Daniel Hudson (SP-ARZ). Arizona has placed starting pitcher Daniel Hudson back on the disabled list with tightness in his right forearm. This is directly related to his prior elbow injury which cost him several weeks on the DL. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. There is no timetable for his return until more is known, but it is very likely that Hudson will be out for quite awhile. If you have a deep roster or available DL spots, stash him on your fantasy team. But if you need the roster space, he might be a candidate to cut if he is out for an extended period of time.

8. Colby Lewis (SP-TEX). It is not a good time to be a Texas Rangers starting pitcher. The latest victim is Colby Lewis who was placed on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right forearm. Lewis has established himself as a solid fantasy pitcher with high strikeout totals and a low ERA and WHIP. It isn’t known yet how long he will be out, but you will need to find a replacement for him for at least a few weeks.

9. Frank Francisco (RP-NYM). Beleaguered Mets closer Frank Francisco was placed on the disabled list with a left oblique strain. He felt the injury during his last save against the Yankees, a team he called a bunch of chickens. Now he is out indefinitely and Bobby Parnell will assume the 9^th inning responsibilities for the Mets. Francisco has racked up saves this year, but they are always an adventure. His high ERA and WHIP makes him a less attractive option when healthy. It isn’t known when he will be back, but if Parnell pitches well he could remain in the closer’s role for an extended period of time.

10. Matt Capps (RP-MIN). The next closer to go down is Twins fireman Matt Capps who was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. An MRI did not reveal any structural damage, so he should be out only a few weeks depending on whether he will need a rehab assignment. Minnesota is a terrible team and won’t have many chances for saves, but when they do Capps has generally produced. If you need a short-term option for saves, Jared Burton and Glen Perkins are likely going to share the 9^th inning duties.

HONORABLE MENTION: Jason Bay (OF-NYM). Jason Bay was cleared to ride a bicycle earlier this week and could resume baseball activities sooner than expected. Bay, sidelined with another concussion, appears to be symptom-free and could be back well ahead of schedule. This is not necessarily good news because he is essentially useless in both real and fantasy baseball.

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2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Brandon Morrow, Drew Stubbs & More

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 15:59:16 -0700

Another week has gone by and more players find themselves in the infirmary. It is staggering how many injuries there have been thus far. If nothing else, this season has tested your ability to be creative, manipulate the waiver wire, and negotiate trades with your fellow league members. Gotta stay positive! So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

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1. Brandon Morrow (SP-TOR). Toronto pitcher Brandon Morrow had to leave his last start after just nine pitches with an oblique injury that has landed him on the disabled list. This type of injury typically lasts several weeks to you should start making alternative plans without him for awhile. Morrow has been a solid fantasy option since getting traded to the Blue Jays, so this is a big loss for fantasy owners. Keep him stashed on the DL or your bench until he is able to return.

2. Chase Utley (2B-PHI). The oldest 33-year old on the planet has started his rehab assignment with the Phillies Class-A team this week. Chase Utley has missed all season with a chronic knee injury is now appears on the way back to the big leagues. He was the DH in his first game back and went 0 for 5 with three strikeouts, so clearly he has a ways to go in terms of getting his timing back and also playing the field. Fantasy owners who have been stashing him on their bench or DL can now start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Don’t expect the Utley from 2007 or 2008, but he should be an upgrade over most other second basemen.

3. Kevin Youkilis (3B-BOS). It has been a frustrating season for Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis. His passion and emotion has been called into question by manager Bobby Valentine, he has spent significant time on the disabled list, and he hasn’t produced the type of statistics we have been accustomed to over the years. Youkilis was hit by a pitch in his ribs and was taken out of the game on Tuesday in Miami. He may see some time off to heal the injury as Boston plays its next few games in National League ballparks.

4.. Brandon McCarthy (SP-OAK). The third time is not the charm for A’s pitcher Brandon McCarthy. For the third time this season, he has been shut down with a shoulder injury and will undergo an MRI. This is bad news for fantasy owners as McCarthy has emerged as a solid pitching option in terms of ERA and WHIP. It seems inevitable that he will be heading to the disabled list again, but this time it could be quite awhile before he returns. Start looking for other options on the waiver wire.

5. Alexi Ogando (SP-TEX). The Rangers suffered yet another devastating injury to their pitching staff as Alexi Ogando went down with a right groin injury while trying to beat out a bunt for a hit. After getting an MRI, the Rangers confirmed that Ogando would be out 4-6 weeks. He had just been put back into the starting rotation after dominating in the bullpen. He is worth stashing on the DL or a deep bench so just hope he is able to come back around the All Star break.

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6. Bud Norris (SP-HOU). Astros starting pitcher Bud Norris left his last start with a sprained left knee he likely sustained when trying to catch a foul ball. He did attempt some warm-up pitches after the incident but had trouble putting weight on his knee. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated this week so no decision has been made yet about his next scheduled start. Norris one of the few viable pitching options Houston has so they will want to be cautious with him. Keep an eye on his status and do not be surprised if he ends up on the disabled list.

7. Salvador Perez (C-KC). Kansas City’s highly touted catcher Salvador Perez could be back with the team by next week. He underwent knee surgery during spring training and is currently on a rehab assignment working his way back. Perez looked like he could handle the bat pretty well last year and will be given the everyday catching duties when he is activated. If he is still floating around your waiver wire, now would be the time to scoop him up to fill the relatively weak catcher’s position on your fantasy team.

8. Drew Stubbs (OF-CIN). Reds outfielder Drew Stubbs is one of the most frustrating fantasy players in the league. He possesses the unique combination of both power and speed. However, he is prone to a low batting average and an exorbitant number of strikeouts. He has missed several games this week with an oblique injury. Cincinnati is trying to avoid putting him on the DL, but it may be unavoidable if he cannot return soon. Keep him on the bench until we see he is back in the lineup and ready to play every day again.

9. John Danks (SP-CHW). After signing a lucrative contract extension this past offseason, White Sox pitcher John Danks has been battered thus far. He has been on the disabled list since the middle of May and had his first rehab start earlier this week as he works to overcome a shoulder injury. He will likely need another rehab start since he was not very sharp. Danks should be back by next week, but don’t rush to put him in your starting lineup until he can prove he is healthy and more effectve than before.

10. Kyle Farnsworth (RP-TB). The much-maligned Rays reliever Kyle Farnsworth is on a Class-A rehab assignment and could be back by the end of June. In his absence, Fernando Rodney has emerged as one of the best closers in baseball so it is doubtful that Farnsworth would be put back in that role. That is unfortunate for him and fantasy owners, but as we have seen all year closers come and go with the wind. Even if Farnsworth is not closing when he gets back, he is worth keeping on a deep roster for the chance that Rodney implodes or gets hurt too.

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2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Felix Hernandez, Joe Mauer & More

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 21:03:22 -0700

In a season marred with significant injuries to big time players, it is refreshing to report some good news regarding the return of some of these players. If you have been able to tread water and withstand the loss of some of these players in your fantasy league, then getting them back will be equivalent to pulling off a blockbuster trade. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

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1. Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA). The Mariners received a big scare last week when ace Felix Hernandez felt a tweak in his back during his last start. He will play catch and possibly throw from the mound before being re-evaluated. The Mariners and Hernandez fully intend on him making his next start this weekend against the Dodgers. Check back in later in the week and see his progress, but all signs are pointing to him being back out there.

2. Evan Longoria (3B-TB). Rays’ star third baseman Evan Longoria is quickly approaching a rehab assignment as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since April. Longoria wants to start the rehab assignment next week and is aiming at a return by the middle of June. This seems a bit optimistic so do not count on him for the week of June 11-17. However, he should be back by the following week and will be a welcome addition to both Tampa Bay and many fantasy teams.

3. Joe Mauer (C-MIN). From the Department of Things That are Guaranteed, Twins catcher Joe Mauer has missed some time due to an injury. Even being given time at first base and DH hasn’t been able to prevent Mauer from suffering some sort of malady. He has missed several games this week due to a thumb injury and likely will not be back at least until the weekend. He had been red hot before the injury, so this comes at an unfortunate time for fantasy owners. Monitor his progress later in the week and keep him active unless he lands on the DL.

4. Pablo Sandoval (3B-SF). Kung Fu Panda is in line to return to the Giants next week after missing the past month with a broken bone in his hand. Pablo Sandoval is one of the top options at third base, so he will be a welcome addition to many fantasy teams that stashed him on their benches. The Giants are in desperate need of his offense in the middle of their order, so look for continued power and run production from him as he will be hitting behind the hit machine Melky Cabrera.

5. Aramis Ramirez (3B-MIL). Brewers third baseman Aramis Ramirez missed his third straight game this week after suffering a strained quad. He has been day to day and reportedly felt better on Wednesday. Ramirez is hopeful to be back in the lineup by Friday, so it looks like he will not have to go on the disabled list. This is good news for fantasy owners as Ramirez has been hitting well lately. Hopefully this injury will not detract from the progress he has made since starting off the season so poorly.

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6. Jaime Garcia (SP-STL). It has been a rough go of it lately for Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia. He has been lit up his last few starts and has been experiencing a variety of injuries including a sore hip and elbow. He is scheduled to be re-examined this week and his next start is in serious jeopardy. St. Louis will want to be cautious with him and could place him on the disabled list to shut him down for a couple weeks and allow him to heal. Keep an eye on his status and strongly consider other options on your fantasy team.

7. Edwin Encarnacion (1B-TOR). After getting hit by a pitch by Daniel Bard on his right hand, Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion has been sidelined recovering from a bone bruise. Encarnacion said it felt better on Wednesday but he still wasn’t able to grip a bat. He has become a viable fantasy option breaking out with 17 homeruns and 43 RBI before getting hurt. The Blue Jays are hopeful he will avoid the disabled list, but keep a close eye on his progress as he attempts to return this weekend.

8. Felipe Paulino (SP-KC). After missing the first month of the season, Royals starting pitcher Felipe Paulino established himself as a solid fantasy option by amassing a 3-1 record with a 1.70 ERA and 39 strikeouts. However, he left his last start in the first inning with a strained right groin. Groin injuries typically require sufficient time to heal to prevent further prolonged damage. It is unknown whether Paulino will require a trip to the disabled list, but his next scheduled start is a big question mark right. Look for alternative options in the short-term and hope that he can come back sooner than later.

9. Carlos Lee (1B/OF-HOU). After suffering a hamstring injury, the Astros placed first baseman/outfielder Carlos Lee on the disabled list to allow him ample time to heal. Lee has hit for a good average but he has seen his power and run production plummet in recent years. He is a good contender for a trade deadline deal which would increase his fantasy value. Keep him stashed on your DL or bench because he should be able to return when he is eligible to be activated.

10. Alex Avila (C-DET). The Tigers placed catcher Alex Avila on the disabled list with a right hamstring strain. Avila suffered the injury right after he came back from a head injury. Despite not matching his impressive 2011 offensive numbers, Avila is still a viable fantasy option at the weak catcher position. He should be kept on your DL or your bench if you have deep rosters. If you need a short-term replacement, Gerald Laird will likely get most of the playing time with Avila on the shelf.

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2012 Fantasy Baseball Injuries: Stephen Strasburg, Lance Berkman & More

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:29:21 -0700

After a very active and newsworthy weekend, I felt it was necessary to do an early week truncated edition of the Injury Report because there are some big names with some potentially big injuries impacting your fantasy baseball team. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

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1. Stephen Strasburg (SP-WAS). Nationals’ phenom Stephen Strasburg not only picked up a win on Sunday against the Orioles, but he also hit homerun. He left after only five innings and manager Davey Johnson reported that Strasburg had some tightness in his right bicep. Strasburg responded by stating that he was simply fatigued from throwing so many pitches early in the game and that it was just a normal reaction coming back from Tommy John surgery. As of now there is nothing to worry about, but any report of injury to Strasburg should be paid very close attention.

2. Tim Lincecum (SP-SF). It’s been a struggle thus far for former two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum who only has one quality start through nine starts this year. He was involved in a collision at home plate during Sunday’s game against Oakland and was taken out of the game after the fourth inning. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but you can be sure the Giants will be cautious with their ace. Some time off wouldn’t be the worst thing in world for Lincecum who has not been sharp at all this year.

3. Lance Berkman (1B-STL). Cardinals’ first baseman Lance Berkman suffered a knee injury this past weekend and has been placed back on the disabled list shortly after he just came off. Berkman himself said he is concerned that he sustained a serious injury, which is not a good sign. He had a miraculous comeback in 2011 but age and injuries have caught up with him again. Monitor the reports that come out after some tests are done on his knee. It is possible that this injury could sideline him for the rest of the season, but hold onto him for now until we know for sure. St. Louis called up prospect Matt Adams to replace Berkman, and he could be a solid pickup for your fantasy team.

4. Jose Valverde (RP-DET). Tigers’ closer Jose Valverde has been suffering from a lower back strain and has been given a few days off to rest and heal. Reports are that Detroit plans on having Valverde back by the middle of this week. In his absence, Joaquin Benoit will get an opportunity to close. As of now there is no reason to think Valverde will miss an extended period of time or require a stint on the disabled list. The injury is not surprising because he has been a shell of his 2011 self when he went a perfect 49 for 49 in saves.

5. Emilio Bonifacio (OF-MIA). Marlins’ speedster Emilio Bonifacio was placed on the disabled list to allow enough time for his injured thumb to heal. He had been red hot lately and is a very valuable player in roto formats with his stolen bases. Given his multi-positional eligibility, keep him stashed on your disabled list or bench while he is out. The injury is not expected to keep him out much longer than the 15 days, but keep an eye on his progress and whether he will need any rehab games before he comes back.

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2012 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Matt Kemp, Stephen Drew & More

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:07:30 -0700

The injuries just keep piling up which is causing you fantasy baseball aficionados to earn your stripes by being creative and aggressive with the waiver wire and trades. This weekly list only details ten players whose health must be monitored, but honorable mention goes out to Geovany Soto and Allen Craig who are likely to land on the disabled list in short order. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

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1. Matt Kemp (OF-LAD). The National League’s premier Triple Crown threat was placed on the disabled list with a hamstring injury and missed his first game since 2009. This is tough news for fantasy owners who are relying on Matt Kemp’s insane production in all categories. He likely won’t need much more than the minimum 15 days to be back in the lineup, but he may have to play in a brief rehab assignment once he is cleared to play. Obviously keep him stashed and put him back in your lineup as soon as he is activated by the Dodgers.

2. Carlos Beltran (OF-STL). The inevitable is finally taking place as Carlos Beltran has been beset by a knee injury. The Cardinals outfielder has been hitting like it’s 1999 and making fantasy owners very happy with their mid to late round steal. But Beltran has had balky knees for several years which has cost him dozens of games and prevented him from fulfilling his true potential as a legitimate and consistent superstar. He has missed several games in a row with a right knee injury and there is no telling how many more games he will miss this year. The fact he is not on the disabled list will only torment you in daily leagues. Keep him active for the chance he comes back and plays, but start considering trying to sell high on him while you can.

3. Jeff Niemann (SP-TB). Tampa Bay’s deep and talented pitching staff took a hit this week, literally, when a batted ball broke Jeff Niemann’s fibula landing him on the 60-day disabled list. Niemann has been very effective thus far and was a solid pitching option given his low ERA and almost one strikeout per inning. But now he will be sidelined for at least a couple months so stash him on your DL or bench in deep leagues.

4. Stephen Drew (SS-ARZ). Good news for Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew as he tries to make his way back from a gruesome ankle injury in 2011. He played nine innings in an extended spring training game earlier this week and did not have any setbacks. He will likely be sent out for a minor league rehab assignment to ensure that his ankle truly can withstand playing every day on the field and while hitting and running. Drew is essentially playing for a contract this year because Arizona holds a team option for 2013, so he is definitely motivated to prove he is healthy and can perform. He is worth picking up if still available in your league because he could provide some surprising pop at a weak shortstop position.

5. Vance Worley (SP-PHI). Phillies starting pitcher Vance Worley was placed on the disabled list this week with inflammation in his elbow. The reports indicate that there is no structural damage which means Worley should be back within a reasonable amount of time, but he is likely to miss at least three starts. The Phillies will want to be cautious with their young pitcher who has been striking out batters at the best rate of his career. Kyle Kendrick will take Worley’s place in Philadelphia’s rotation, but that doesn’t mean you should pick him up in your fantasy league.

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6. David Robertson (RP-NYY). The two-day David Robertson era of the Yankees bullpen is over for now. Robertson was placed on the disabled list with a strained oblique just a couple days after blowing his first save since being anointed the new closer after Mariano Rivera’s injury. Now Rafael Soriano will get the chance to close until Robertson comes back. Depending on how Soriano performs, it is unknown what Joe Girardi will do when both pitchers are healthy and whether he will give them defining roles or let them close games by committee. Either way, keep Robertson stashed on your DL or bench and try and grab Soriano as a free agent for a short-term supply of saves.

7. Mark Reynolds (3B-BAL). The modern day Rob Deer is on the disabled list with an oblique injury. It would be nice to say that the injury is partially what has contributed to his sub-.200 batting average and inordinate amount of strikeouts. However, we all know differently as Mark Reynolds is the epitome of an all or nothing hitter. He has fantasy appeal because of his tremendous power, but is diametrically opposed to having a respectable batting average. Hold onto him while he is out, but it can’t hurt to look around your league for an upgrade unless you get points for having the reincarnation of Dave Kingman.

8. Danny Duffy (SP-KC). Second year pitcher Danny Duffy heard the news no pitcher wants to hear – torn ulnar collateral ligament which usually means Tommy John surgery. Duffy has pitched well for the Royals thus far with an ERA under 4.00 and averaging slightly more than a strikeout per inning. Duffy will get a second opinion before making any decisions regarding surgery. But for all intents and purposes, he is done for the year. Hold onto him on the DL or bench in a deep league in case he somehow avoids surgery and does get back later in the year.

9. Ryan Doumit (C-MIN). After some confusion, the Minnesota Twins did not place catcher Ryan Doumit on the disabled list after all. He sustained a mild strain of his calf and will require some rest, but a trip to the DL is not in the cards right now. Doumit has been hitting the crap out of the ball which has made fantasy players very happy since he qualifies at catcher and also happens to play outfield and DH to keep his bat in the Twins’ lineup. The fact he is not on the DL is a good sign, but you still may be without him for a few days. You will need to monitor the situation each day.

10. Carlos Marmol (RP-CHC). Former beleaguered Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury. The fact he is not pitching is a blessing to all fantasy owners. He reportedly played catch this week and didn’t overthrow anyone he was playing with. Before the injury, he lost his job to Rafael Dolis because he was completely wild and had blown several games in the first month of the season. It is possible that he could regain his role as the closer if he rediscovers himself, but for right now he is not worth wasting a roster spot on.

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