After spending 20 months working his way back from Tommy John surgery, Álex Reyes only lasted four inning before landing back on the disabled list. Fantasy owners took note of his velocity decline as the game progressed. Reyes assured writers he felt alright after his start but the next day his pain persisted prompting an MRI which revealed the “significant” injury to his lat which can precursor a shoulder problem.

Due to the severity of the injury, Reyes could miss at least four and up to eight weeks as a result, depending on how he heals. For those in shallow formats, it will be tough to hold on to Reyes unless disabled spots exist. In other roster moves, St. Louis sent Tyler O’Neill back to Triple-A to insure he receives full-time at-bats. This could mean more playing time for Harrison Bader who has been productive this week.

Night Moves

Texas activated Adrián Béltre and he will start as the designated hitter in Seattle on Thursday night. In the corresponding move, Ryan Rua returned to the minors.

Miguel Cabrera could return to game action as soon as Friday. He ran the bases prior to the game and seems poised to rejoin the team.

With some clarity to the Rhys Hoskins jaw fracture, he will not need surgery which cuts his time lost to weeks and not months. Good news for now, but there’s still no clear timetable for his return.

Cleveland will use Shane Bieber to start and then will option him back to Triple-A after the game to activate Bradley Zimmer . The Indians do not need a fifth starter until June 12th barring a postponement, so Bieber’s roster spot’s not a necessity after tonight.

For those who like to stash, Jorge Polanco ’s stressing his defense while working out in Florida. Polanco can return to the Twins lineup on July 2nd, just over a month away.

Los Angeles will push back Alex Wood to Sunday in Colorado. Friday could be a left-handed reliever to start the game ala the Rays approach or rookie Danny Santana could get the nod. Wood’s had lingering issues from the cramps in his left hamstring.

Brad Ziegler ’s recent struggles translates to a “different role” for him going forward. In other words, he will not work as the closer in in the highest leverage spots. It may be time for Kyle Barraclough to ascend to the closer role and keep tabs on Adam Conley ’s transition to the bullpen in an Andrew Miller -lite morphing in the coming weeks.

That Just Happened

Another multi-hit game and three hits for Nick Castellanos. It’s his 22nd multiple hit game this season and 10th time with three hits or more, both second in the American League. Over his last 21 games, Castellanos’ hitting .375 with 13 runs, 11 doubles, a triple, two home runs and nine RBI.

Jeimer Candelario extended his on-base streak to 25 before leaving the game after being hit by a pitch in the hand. His X-rays were negative and the injury’s being listed as a hand contusion. During his on-base streak, Candelario’s 27-for-96 (.281) with 22 runs, nine doubles, five home runs and 13 RBI.

Playing against his old team seemed to awaken a slumbering Ian Kinsler , who racked up nine hits his last 14 at-bats, with three more on Thursday. Kinsler only recorded six hits in his previous 54 at-bats (.111) before this hot streak.

Andrelton Simmons still gets overlooked but finished 2-for-4 and has hit safely in 29 of his last 33 games with a .362 average and reaching base in 36 of his last 37 starts. Did you know Simmons leads the majors in fewest strikeouts per plate appearance? He’s only struck out 10 times in 225 plate appearances this season.

Another strong outing by Daniel Mengden who won his sixth decision working eight innings giving up six hits, three earned runs and two walks with five strikeouts. Three of the hits and all of the runs occurred in the ninth inning when he faced only three batters, all who reached via a hit and scored. This snapped his scoreless inning streak which reached 25 prior to the ninth inning. However, Mengden’s won his last four starts in a row with a 1.20 ERA in 30 innings.

Khris Davis returned to the lineup going 1-for-3 with a run, a double and a walk. Matt Chapman and Matt Olson each hit their ninth home runs, solo shots, going back-to-back in the seventh inning. Olson could be heating up. His home run measured 475 feet and he’s hit five doubles and five home runs the last 17 games. Plus, Olson’s hard hit percentage of 52.2 percent with a 14.5 home run per fly ball rate should see some positive migration to the mean.

Burning Questions

Will the real Clayton Kershaw show up at home against the Phillies? Can the Yankees and Orioles avoid a rainout? Which José Quintana shows up for the Cubs? How will Shane Bieber ’s debut go? If a save chance arises for Miami, who gets it?

All of these questions and more will be covered by Justin Mason in Friday’s Round Up on Fantasy Alarm to keep you ahead of the competition.

 

Statistical Credits:

MLB.com

Fangraphs.com

BaseballSavant.com