FOXSports.com Fantasy Buzz » posts from May 2013

Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Phils' Utley to DL

1 day ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Kevin Gausman's start was a mixed bag. He looks plenty talented, but I still don't think I'd grab him in a standard mixed league.

First pitch: Both leagues get started in the 7 p.m. ET hour tonight.

Interleague DH issues: The Marlins, who are in Chicago to face the White Sox, can barely put together an eight-man lineup, let alone find a DH. Chris Coghlan and/or Austin Kearns, I guess?

Streaming starters: Rick Porcello's Thursday flop dropped us to 33-17 for the season. The weekend picks are Bronson Arroyo (owned in 27.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Cubs tonight, Miami's Ricky Nolasco (3.8 percent owned) at the White Sox on Saturday, and Anaheim's Jerome Williams (9.6 percent owned) at Kansas City on Sunday.

On to the news:
- Phillies 2B Chase Utley is expected to miss 2-4 weeks with what the Phillies are calling a "very mild" oblique strain. Freddy Galvis will fill in for Utley in real life, and he's not a terrible fantasy fill-in if your league is deep. Your other potential free-agent targets are San Diego's Jedd Gyorko (24.9 percent owned) and Colorado's somewhat speedy DJ LeMahieu (1.2 percent owned).
- Red Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks is day-to-day after leaving Thursday's game with back spasms.
- It sounds like Adam Eaton's elbow injury setback will probably keep him our for another month or so. A.J. Pollock owners probably aren't disappointed.
- Here are some injury updates from the Marlins, who could get 1B Logan Morrison back by the end of next week.
- Remember in early April, when Royals closer Greg Holland was struggling, and flamethrowing Kelvin Herrera was a lock to take over? Herrera is on his way to Triple A. Giving up eight home runs in 20 1/3 innings didn't help his cause much.
- Watch Jered Weaver's progress over the weekend, because he could return to the Angels' rotation as soon as Monday.
- Twins SS Pedro Florimon is day-to-day with a sprained right index finger.
- Zack Wheeler's promotion to the Mets appears to be getting pretty close.
- The Yankees might get 3B Kevin Youkilis back from the DL next week, with Mark Teixeira maybe a week behind him.
- The Mariners have sent Jesus Montero to Triple A, and his catching days are probably over. With prospect Mike Zunino not yet ready, Kelly Shoppach becomes the Mariners' regular catcher.
- Chris Carpenter's rehab is going well. Wasn't he ready to retire in February?
- Tigers OF Austin Jackson (hamstring) is eligible to come off the DL Monday, but the Tigers don't plan to rush him.
- The Blue Jays will promote lefty Sean Nolin (1.17 ERA in three Double-A starts) to make his big-league debut tonight against the Orioles. Here's a tepid review of one of Nolin's recent starts. Don't get too excited here.
- Ken Rosenthal noted earlier this week that the Nationals might be grooming prospect Anthony Rendon to take over for Danny Espinosa at second base. The Nats say that isn't the case, which would be believable if Espinosa wasn't such a horrible hitter right now.
See you back here Monday morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Rox demote Rutledge

2 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Did you see the story about the snow cone vendor at Minute Maid Park? Unreal. They should have fired him, rehired him, and fired him again.

First pitch: The Cubs and Pirates begin the National League day at 12:35 p.m. ET, while O's-Jays gets AL action underway at 7:07. There are only five games today, so you might need your bench.

Interleague DH issues: None.

Streaming starters: Julio Teheran had a strong outing on Monday, Jose Fernandez was fine on Tuesday, and perennial tease Francisco Liriano was lights-out again (versus the Cubs, mind you) last night. We're up to 33-16 on the season, and I still don't trust Liriano or his 1.00 ERA.

Today's pick is the improving Rick Porcello (owned in 6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Twins. Porcello has a 3.24 ERA over his last four starts, with 24 strikeouts against five walks in 25 innings. Friday's selection is Bronson Arroyo (22.2 percent owned) versus the Cubs.

On to the news:
- It's tough to see a good fantasy power-speed guy lose his job because of real-life struggles, but that's what happened last night to Rockies 2B Josh Rutledge, who has been demoted to Triple A. Speedy DJ LeMahieu takes over at the keystone in Colorado, and can be considered in leagues deeper than standard mixed if you need steals. OF Michael Cuddyer has been activated from the DL to take Rutledge's roster spot.
- Elite prospect Kevin Gausman will join the Orioles' rotation tonight against the Blue Jays. Gausman had a 3.11 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP and 49 strikeouts against just five walks in 46 1/3 innings at Double A. He's talented, polished, highly regarded ... and 22 years old, so there will probably be bumps in the road. Gausman will also probably be shut down somewhere between 160-180 innings, so keep that in mind if you pick him up in a deep mixed or AL-only league (he should be owned in all keeper/dynasty formats). For your reading pleasure, here's a positive scouting report on Gausman from FanGraphs' JD Sussman. I'm excited to see this guy, even if his fantasy value lies mostly in the long term.
- Phillies 2B Chase Utley will have an MRI today to determine the extent of his side (or rib or oblique) injury. A DL stint is possible.
- Diamondbacks OF Adam Eaton (elbow) has had a setback in his rehab, and will have an MRI today. It might not be serious, so keep your fingers crossed and keep Eaton stashed for now.
- Speaking of setbacks, Angels RP Ryan Madson (elbow) had one as well. His stash status depends on the depth of your bench or number of DL slots, but waiting on closers is often disappointing. Ernesto Frieri's shakiness will always be the reason to consider keeping Madson. Let's give him a little more time if we can, OK?
- Giants SP Ryan Vogelsong is expected to miss 6-8 weeks after breaking his pitching hand Monday. You probably knew that already, since it happened during my two-day blog hiatus.
- Barring any setbacks, look for Angels SP Jered Weaver to come off the DL early next week.
- Yankees SP Hiroki Kuroda left Wednesday's game after getting hit in the back of the leg with a come backer, but is expected to make his next start.
- Andre Ethier might not stay benched forever, but even if he plays he's expendable enough to cut in standard mixed leagues.
- In Twins' news, 3B Trevor Plouffe is on the seven-day concussion DL, while struggling SP Vance Worley has been sent to the minors. WBC standout Samuel Deduno will join the Twins' rotation Friday, but I'm not buying.
- As feared, Cardinals SP Jaime Garcia (shoulder surgery) is done for the season.
- John Danks makes his 2013 debut on Friday against the Marlins. I thought about making him the streaming pick, but he didn't pitch all that well in his rehab starts.
- Fernando Rodney blew another save last night. Just thought you'd want to know in case Joel Peralta is still in your free-agent pool.
- A's SS Jed Lowrie (foot) hopes to return to the lineup on Friday.
- Ike Davis, still a major leaguer.
- Brewers SP Kyle Lohse (sore elbow) will skip a start. Mike Fiers takes Lohse's spot on Saturday.
- Look for Indians OF Nick Swisher (paternity leave) to be back in the lineup on Friday. Congrats to the Swishers!
- So, the Marlins are going with a closer committee, huh? Mike Dunn? Chad Qualls? I guess, if you're desperate in a deep league. They're fine as NL-only options. I'd probably bet on Steve Cishek over both guys, though.
- Red Sox OF Shane Victorino is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. It doesn't sound like he'll play tonight, but a DL stint isn't on the table yet.
- It's chat day! Be there at 2 p.m. ET.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Rangers promote Profar

5 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Scheduling note: I'll be on the blogger disabled list Tuesday and Wednesday due a minor surgical procedure (fixing a deviated septum). You can try to tweet me during this brief hiatus if you have questions, but I might be groggy on Tuesday, and it's possible that I'll advise you to trade Miguel Cabrera for John Axford.

First pitch: The Mariners and Indians begin the American League day at 12:05 p.m. ET, while NL action starts at 7:05.

Interleague DH issues: The Twins visit the Braves, and while usual DH Ryan Doumit has outfield experience, he's only played there once this season.

Streaming starters: Ubaldo Jimenez was solid on Friday, Brandon McCarthy shut out the Marlins on Saturday, and Ricky Nolasco was terrific on Sunday. We're up to 30-16 for the season, and should plan to send Christmas cards to the Marlins' front office for making this job easier.

Today's pick is Atlanta's Julio Teheran (owned in 11.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Twins, while Tuesday's selection is Jose Fernandez (22.4 percent owned) versus the Phillies. On Wednesday, we'll dip our toe in the water with the often-maddening Francisco Liriano (25.4 percent owned) against the Cubs.

On to the news:
- With Ian Kinsler on the DL, the Rangers have recalled blue-chip prospect Jurickson Profar from Triple A. Before you get too excited, check this Fort Worth Star-Telegram story, which notes that Profar might not play every day, and is expected to be sent back to the minors by June 1 (assuming that Kinsler's recovery goes as planned). Owners in most redraft leagues shouldn't get too excited about Profar right now, no matter how talented he is. However, you can pick him up for a week in deeper leagues if the alternatives are unexciting.
- Andrew Bailey comes off the DL today for the Red Sox, and is expected to close immediately (but maybe not pitch back-days right away). Start him if you have him.
- The always-helpful @CloserNews reminds us that Braves closer Craig Kimbrel and the Cardinals' duo of Ed Mujica/Trevor Rosenthal have pitched on three consecutive days, and might not be available tonight. The Cards did recall Mitchell Boggs over the weekend, you know.
- Bryce Harper didn't play Saturday or Sunday due to a leg injury, but the Nationals hope he'll be ready to go tonight.
- Tony Cingrani has been sent to the minors to make room in the Reds' rotation for Johnny Cueto, who starts tonight.
- Injured Phillies Ryan Howard (knee) and Carlos Ruiz (hamstring) will have MRIs today, and aren't expected to play tonight.
- It sounds like Cardinals SP Jaime Garcia (shoulder) might be done for the season.
- Barring a setback, Rangers C A.J. Pierzynski will be reactivated Tuesday. I'd feel OK about starting him in a weekly league.
- 2B Mark Ellis was back in the Dodger lineup Sunday after a three-week absence.
- Jake Odorizzi has been called up to take David Price's place in the Rays' rotation, and will start tonight in Toronto. It's hard to recommend Odorizzi in this spot.
- So, Ernesto Frieri walked three batters while saving Sunday's game? Bad control will eventually be Frieri's undoing, Ryan Madson owners.
- Matt Garza will make his 2013 debut on Tuesday for the Cubs. He's owned in 58.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and is worth a look in all formats if you need to fill a spot.
See you back here Thursday morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Price heads to the DL

8 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Let's start today's festivities with a shout-out to David Wells on the 15th anniversary of his perfect game, which remains the best sporting event I've ever attended. Keeping with an annual blog tradition, the excerpt below is from my post on the 10th anniversary of the game.

***

... it (also) represented what I love most about baseball - you never know when something great is going to happen, or who's going to make it happen. In basketball, if someone is going to have an all-time game, you know it's going to be someone like Kobe or LeBron or D-Wade. In football, the Giants recently pulled a shocker, but it was the Super Bowl - it's supposed to be exciting.

Wells' gem came on a random Sunday afternoon against the Twins. My friend Cogs and his fiancee (now wife) Monica were going to be in town for my cousin's wedding the day before, and he had asked me to pick up tickets. The three of us, along with our friend J.D., got to the game a little late, expecting to sit down for a few beers on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. In the fourth inning, we knew Wells hadn't allowed any hits, and we asked the guy in front of us if he had walked anyone. He turned to us with a grin and said, "Nope."

After that, I felt like I was watching the best suspense thriller ever made - it kept building and building and building. After every out, we'd look at each other but not say anything, because we weren't going to be the ones to jinx it. By the eighth inning, I watched a few pitches while mostly covering my eyes. I honestly can't imagine a sporting event - or any other form of entertainment, for that matter - being so exhiliarating. Whenever I see Wells criticized for being a drunk or a lout, I smile and remember the history I witnessed thanks to him.

One more note: Cogs lived in San Francisco for awhile. Being such a big fan, he kept the game ticket in his wallet (and probably still does). A few years after the game, a friend of his happened to be on a work visit to Macy's in Union Square and spotted Wells. He called Cogs, who tore out of his office and got to Macy's within minutes. Out of breath, Cogs found Wells and asked him to sign the ticket. Wells looked at the ticket before signing and said, "You really carry this thing around with you?"

***

First pitch: The Mets and Cubs get National League action underway at 2:20 p.m. ET, while there are three AL games at 7:05. Also, please note that Saturday's MLB ON FOX coverage begins at 3:30, leading into Rays-O's, White Sox-Angels and Reds-Phillies.

Interleague DH issues: The Astros visit the Pirates, leaving many candidates for the bench this weekend thanks to Chris Carter's versatility. Carlos Pena figures to sit Sunday against lefty Jeff Locke, but Friday/Saturday are up in the air.

Streaming starters: Another strong outing from Marlins' rookie Jose Fernandez raised our record to 27-16. The weekend selections are Ubaldo Jimenez (owned in 12.8 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Mariners tonight, Brandon McCarthy (6.4 percent owned) against the Marlins on Saturday, and Miami's Ricky Nolasco (2.3 percent owned) in his Sunday matchup with the D-backs.

On to the news:
- Rays SP David Price (triceps) is on the DL, but is only expected to miss two or three starts. The Rays haven't decided who will take Price's rotation slot starting on Monday, but Jake Odorizzi appears to be the favorite.
- In other Rays' news, closer Fernando Rodney walked four batters while blowing Thursday's game against the Red Sox. Rodney has walked 15 batters in 15 1/3 innings, matching his walk total for all of 2012. The Rays haven't said anything about a change, but you might want to start speculating on Joel Peralta.
- Andy Pettitte left last night's game during the fifth inning with back issues, and the Yankees are hoping it was just a spasm. Stay tuned.
- The Red Sox are targeting a Monday return from the DL for Andrew Bailey, who will reclaim his closer role upon activation. Thanks for your service, Junichi Tazawa. You haven't saved any games yet, but maybe you will this weekend. And if Bailey gets hurt again, fantasy owners may need you again later this season.
- The Rangers are hoping to get A.J. Pierzynski off the DL on Tuesday.
- Diamondbacks OF Adam Eaton had two hits and stole two bases in his minor-league rehab game last night. Eaton is owned in 7.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and could be a week or so away from activation. Time to stash, folks.
- The Justin Verlander-Yu Darvish matchup didn't live up to any of the hype, huh?
- Reds OF Chris Heisey re-injured his hamstring in a rehab game earlier this week, and will be out awhile longer.
- Rockies SP Jeff Francis is on the DL with a strained groin.
- Royals OF Jarrod Dyson (ankle) is probably headed to the DL.
- Still trying to suck us in, eh, Francisco Liriano? I've been down this road a time or seven before, and it's not gonna work any more.
- Nats' news: Jayson Werth's return has been delayed a bit, and Ross Detwiler's back will cause him to miss at least one start, with more details TBD.
- Welcome back, Jason Heyward!
See you back here Monday morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Price's early exit

9 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Ouch, Phil Hughes. Your fantasy owners aren't going to forget that outing any time soon.

First pitch: The Mets and Cardinals kick off the National League schedule at 1:45 p.m. ET, while AL action begins at 7:05 with Mariners-Yankees.

Interleague DH issues: None.

Streaming starters: Mike Leake cruised through 6 2/3 shutout innings against the hapless Marlins to raise our record to 26-16 for the season. After the game, Dusty Baker seemed to indicate that Leake will keep his rotation slot when Johnny Cueto returns from the DL. Your move, Tony Cingrani.

Today's pick is Marlins' rookie Jose Fernandez (owned in 18.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Reds, while Friday's selection is the improving Ubaldo Jimenez (9 percent owned) against the Mariners. As I said to Ryan Fowler on Wednesday's Fantasy 15 podcast, I'm not yet sold on Ubaldo's recent success, but I'm willing to stream him in this spot.

On to the news:
- Rays SP David Price left his Wednesday start with a triceps strain, and even though the team said later that the MRI results didn't indicate anything serious, it's "probably unlikely" that he'll make his next start, per manager Joe Maddon. We might know today if Price needs a stint on the DL.
- You didn't cut Brandon League too quickly, right? He saved last night's game after Kenley Jansen set him up. What happens next? Heck if I know, but for the time being, both pitchers should be owned in just about every format. The Dodgers probably want League to keep the job, and he'll merely have to be adequate (instead of his current horrible) to do that.
- Nationals OF Bryce Harper, who is still sore after crashing into an outfield wall Monday night, pinch-hit Wednesday and might be able to play tonight. If you haven't seen the Monday play, here's the video. I feel pain just watching it.
- White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham (hand) is probably 10 days away from coming off the DL.
- Royals OF Jarrod Dyson sprained his ankle Wednesday, and his prognosis is TBD. He was just starting to play a lot, too.
- Rookie lefty John Gast has earned another start for the Cardinals.
- Felix Hernandez (back) is expected to make his next scheduled start.
- Brett Anderson's ankle acted up after a Sunday rehab start, and his return has been delayed.
- The Indians plan to activate RP Vinnie Pestano from the DL on Friday.
- Astros SP Bud Norris (back) is still a DL candidate - we'll know one way or the other before his scheduled Sunday start.
- Manny Machado is a stud.
- Signs point to Braves OF Jason Heyward being activated this weekend.
- Please visit my weekly chat session today at 2 p.m. ET. I know you don't have anything better to do.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Price's early exit

9 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Ouch, Phil Hughes. Your fantasy owners aren't going to forget that outing any time soon.

First pitch: The Mets and Cardinals kick off the National League schedule at 1:45 p.m. ET, while AL action begins at 7:05 with Mariners-Yankees.

Interleague DH issues: None.

Streaming starters: Mike Leake cruised through 6 2/3 shutout innings against the hapless Marlins to raise our record to 26-16 for the season. After the game, Dusty Baker seemed to indicate that Leake will keep his rotation slot when Johnny Cueto returns from the DL. Your move, Tony Cingrani.

Today's pick is Marlins' rookie Jose Fernandez (owned in 18.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Reds, while Friday's selection is the improving Ubaldo Jimenez (9 percent owned) against the Mariners. As I said to Ryan Fowler on Wednesday's Fantasy 15 podcast, I'm not yet sold on Ubaldo's recent success, but I'm willing to stream him in this spot.

On to the news:
- Rays SP David Price left his Wednesday start with a triceps strain, and even though the team said later that the MRI results didn't indicate anything serious, it's "probably unlikely" that he'll make his next start, per manager Joe Maddon. We might know today if Price needs a stint on the DL.
- You didn't cut Brandon League too quickly, right? He saved last night's game after Kenley Jansen set him up. What happens next? Heck if I know, but for the time being, both pitchers should be owned in just about every format. The Dodgers probably want League to keep the job, and he'll merely have to be adequate (instead of his current horrible) to do that.
- Nationals OF Bryce Harper, who is still sore after crashing into an outfield wall Monday night, pinch-hit Wednesday and might be able to play tonight. If you haven't seen the Monday play, here's the video. I feel pain just watching it.
- White Sox 2B Gordon Beckham (hand) is probably 10 days away from coming off the DL.
- Royals OF Jarrod Dyson sprained his ankle Wednesday, and his prognosis is TBD. He was just starting to play a lot, too.
- Rookie lefty John Gast has earned another start for the Cardinals.
- Felix Hernandez (back) is expected to make his next scheduled start.
- Brett Anderson's ankle acted up after a Sunday rehab start, and his return has been delayed.
- The Indians plan to activate RP Vinnie Pestano from the DL on Friday.
- Astros SP Bud Norris (back) is still a DL candidate - we'll know one way or the other before his scheduled Sunday start.
- Manny Machado is a stud.
- Signs point to Braves OF Jason Heyward being activated this weekend.
- Please visit my weekly chat session today at 2 p.m. ET. I know you don't have anything better to do.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Jansen closes door for Dodgers

10 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
R.A. Dickey gave up two runs in six innings last night, striking out 10 batters. Maybe he's turning the corner?

First pitch: The Padres and Orioles have an interleague matchup at 12:35 p.m. ET.

Interleague DH issues: The Indians figure to trot out the same lineup as last night against Phillies' lefty Cole Hamels, so don't expect anything interesting there.

Streaming starters: Scott Kazmir wasn't so great last night, so we're down to 25-16 for the season. Today's pick is Mike Leake (owned in 2.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) at Miami, while Thursday's selection is Marlins' phenom Jose Fernandez (16.8 percent owned) versus the Reds.

On to the news:
- Closer alert! Kenley Jansen got a one-out save last night for the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Times reports that Jansen has "apparently taken over the closer role," but the team website's game story quoted a non-committal Don Mattingly as saying, "I had to go with the guy who's throwing the ball best; as much as anything he's (Jansen) been throwing the ball better than anybody." Mattingly also said "We'll see" when asked if Jansen is his new closer. This smells like a change that might never be reversed thanks to the beastly Jansen. What to do here? Grab Jansen (46.8 percent owned) if you can, and hold League for a little while longer if you own him.
- In other Dodger news, Zack Greinke is tonight's confirmed starter.
- Astros 2B Jose Altuve has been placed on the bereavement list due to the loss of his grandmother, and is expected to rejoin the team on Saturday. Speedy Jake Elmore (8 SB at Triple A this season) was called up and played in Altuve's place last night.
- OF Coco Crisp is expected to come off the DL today for the A's.
- It sounds like the outfield fence at Dodger Stadium scored a bigger Monday night win over Bryce Harper than we thought. Harper missed last night's game after feeling nauseous all day, and probably won't play tonight, either. Concussion tests did come back negative, though.
- The Mariners seem to think the back issue that forced Felix Hernandez to leave Tuesday's game (which the bullpen promptly coughed up) isn't serious.
- Blue Jays OF Melky Cabrera, who has been dealing with hamstring soreness, will have an MRI today. The MelkMan had four hits last night, so don't worry too much if you own him.
- With Matt Garza tracking toward a return from the DL early next week, Carlos Villanueva could be headed to the bullpen.
- Braves OF B.J. Upton missed Tuesday's game with a sore shoulder, but hopes to play today.
- Big Papi is dealing with an oblique injury? No wonder he's not hitting .400 anymore!
- News you wouldn't have cared about a month ago: The Cubs expect 3B Luis Valbuena (finger) to return today after a four-day absence.
- Johnny Cueto is on track to return to the Reds for his next start, probably on Monday - which is Mike Leake's turn. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll take Leake's rotation spot instead of Tony Cingrani's, though.
- Look for Yankees DH Travis Hafner to miss a couple more days with his sore shoulder.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Granderson back tonight?

11 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Looking for an early fantasy MVP? How about Brewers SS Jean Segura, who's batting .368 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases. Based on draft position, he's been killing it.

First pitch: We've got 7:05 p.m. ET starts in both leagues.

Interleague DH issues: The Indians are in Philadelphia, but with Lonnie Chisenhall having been sent to the minors, Mark Reynolds has taken over at third base. Their 1B/OF/DH logjam is less crowded, and Ryan Raburn being the likely odd man out hurts far fewer fantasy owners. The Padres and Giants will use designated hitters to be determined in their visits to AL parks.

Streaming starters: Travis Wood's stellar outing raised our record to 25-15 on the season. Tonight's pick is the resurgent Scott Kazmir (owned in 13.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Phillies, while Wednesday's selection is Cincinnati's Mike Leake (1.7 percent owned) against the Marlins in Miami.

On to the news:
- Yankees OF Curtis Granderson got another hit in a Triple-A rehab game last night, and tweeted later that he was "in the car on the way back to NY." Assuming that Granderson makes his 2013 debut tonight against Felix Hernandez, who comes out of the Yankee lineup? Ichiro Suzuki would be the smart choice to stay benched most of the time, but maybe hot-hitting Vernon Wells will get a rest tonight against the right-handed King Felix.
- Tigers OF Austin Jackson has been placed on the DL with a low-grade hamstring injury that shouldn't keep him out for too long. Rookie Avisail Garcia has been called up to take some of Jackson's playing time, and will be of interest to AL-only owners thanks to his 1.076 minor-league OPS this season.
- Nationals OF Bryce Harper received 11 stitches under his chin after crashing into the outfield fence last night at Dodger Stadium. Harper left the game, but later tested negative for a concussion and is day-to-day.
- Speaking of the Dodgers, they still haven't announced their Wednesday starter, but Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times is pretty sure it will be Zack Greinke. Greinke's teammate, Josh Beckett, left Monday's start with a "tweaked" groin and a bad case of suck.
- Astros 2B Jose Altuve is day-to-day with a dislocated jaw, and that's a baseball injury I've never heard before. Teammate Bud Norris left Monday's start with a back injury, and his status is TBD.
- I tried to tell you that Royals manager Ned Yost loves OF Jarrod Dyson, who led off again last night. Dyson stole 30 bases last season in a part-time role, and is now worth a look in anything deeper than a 12-team mixed league.
- A's OF Josh Reddickmight need wrist surgery? Ugh.
- Aaron Hicks!
- Pirates 2B Neil Walker came off the DL last night and batted fifth. Start him if that's what you were doing before his injury.
- Rick Ankiel is now part of a center-field platoon for the Mets. If this matters to you in any mixed league, you're in trouble.
- Orioles SP Wei-Yin Chen (oblique) is probably headed for the DL.
- OF Jason Heyward apparently won't come off the DL until Friday at the earliest.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Granderson back tonight?

11 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
Looking for an early fantasy MVP? How about Brewers SS Jean Segura, who's batting .368 with six home runs and 13 stolen bases. Based on draft position, he's been killing it.

First pitch: We've got 7:05 p.m. ET starts in both leagues.

Interleague DH issues: The Indians are in Philadelphia, but with Lonnie Chisenhall having been sent to the minors, Mark Reynolds has taken over at third base. Their 1B/OF/DH logjam is less crowded, and Ryan Raburn being the likely odd man out hurts far fewer fantasy owners. The Padres and Giants will use designated hitters to be determined in their visits to AL parks.

Streaming starters: Travis Wood's stellar outing raised our record to 25-15 on the season. Tonight's pick is the resurgent Scott Kazmir (owned in 13.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) versus the Phillies, while Wednesday's selection is Cincinnati's Mike Leake (1.7 percent owned) against the Marlins in Miami.

On to the news:
- Yankees OF Curtis Granderson got another hit in a Triple-A rehab game last night, and tweeted later that he was "in the car on the way back to NY." Assuming that Granderson makes his 2013 debut tonight against Felix Hernandez, who comes out of the Yankee lineup? Ichiro Suzuki would be the smart choice to stay benched most of the time, but maybe hot-hitting Vernon Wells will get a rest tonight against the right-handed King Felix.
- Tigers OF Austin Jackson has been placed on the DL with a low-grade hamstring injury that shouldn't keep him out for too long. Rookie Avisail Garcia has been called up to take some of Jackson's playing time, and will be of interest to AL-only owners thanks to his 1.076 minor-league OPS this season.
- Nationals OF Bryce Harperreceived 11 stitches under his chin after crashing into the outfield fence last night at Dodger Stadium. Harper left the game, but later tested negative for a concussion and is day-to-day.
- Speaking of the Dodgers, they still haven't announced their Wednesday starter, but Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times is pretty sure it will be Zack Greinke. Greinke's teammate, Josh Beckett, left Monday's start with a "tweaked" groin and a bad case of suck.
- Astros 2B Jose Altuve is day-to-day with a dislocated jaw, and that's a baseball injury I've never heard before. Teammate Bud Norris left Monday's start with a back injury, and his status is TBD.
- I tried to tell you that Royals manager Ned Yost loves OF Jarrod Dyson, who led off again last night. Dyson stole 30 bases last season in a part-time role, and is now worth a look in anything deeper than a 12-team mixed league.
- A's OF Josh Reddickmight need wrist surgery? Ugh.
- Aaron Hicks!
- Pirates 2B Neil Walker came off the DL last night and batted fifth. Start him if that's what you were doing before his injury.
- Rick Ankiel is now part of a center-field platoon for the Mets. If this matters to you in any mixed league, you're in trouble.
- Orioles SP Wei-Yin Chen (oblique) is probably headed for the DL.
- OF Jason Heyward apparently won't come off the DL until Friday at the earliest.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: What to do with Zack Greinke?

12 days ago by JohnHalpinFOX
It sounds like Joba Chamberlain has avoided a guaranteed public relations loss by making up with Mariano Rivera after a Saturday spat. That's good, as Chamberlain would have been better off throwing a sack full of golden retriever puppies off the George Washington Bridge than having Yankee fans think he insulted Rivera.

First pitch: The Yankees and Indians play the first game of their doubleheader at 12:05 p.m. ET to start the AL day. NL action begins at 7:05 with a pair of games.

Interleague DH issues: None today, but starting Tuesday, the Indians will probably sit Mark Reynolds, Nick Swisher or Drew Stubbs (my pick) when they play in Philadelphia.

Streaming starters: Dan Straily struggled Friday, Vance Worley wasn't good outisde of notching a win on Saturday, and Chris Capuano was just fine against the Marlins on Sunday. We're 24-15 on the season.

Today's pick is underrated Cub Travis Wood (owned in 38.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Rockies, while Tuesday's selection is the still-underowned Scott Kazmir (8.5 percent owned) on the road in Philly.

On to the news:
- After coming through Friday's rehab start without any issues, Zack Greinke thinks he's ready to pitch for the Dodgers against the Nationals on Wednesday, but the team hasn't made a decision yet on his return from the DL. If I owned Greinke in a league that required lineups to be set today, I'd activate him. If the Dodgers are planning to let him pitch somewhere, why not in Dodger Stadium to help them climb out of last place?
- Besides, the Nats won't have OF Jayson Werth, who is on the DL with a strained hamstring. Roger Bernadina has been playing more often than not in Werth's absence, and should be an NL-only consideration despite his current .289 OPS.
- OF Jason Heyward could come off the DL at any time, but weekly leaguers might want to keep him benched in case the Braves wait a few more days.
- It sounds like Diamondbacks OF Adam Eaton is about a week or so away from making his 2013 debut. Is he going to displace the surprising A.J. Pollock? Hmm ...
- Speedy Jays OF Rajai Davis is on the DL with an oblique injury. Someday, Davis will enter the season 18th on a team's outfield depth chart and still find a way to steal 30 bases.
- With Eduardo Nunez (oblique) on the DL, the Yankees are going with Jayson Nix at shortstop. No, I don't know how they keep winning.
- The Red Sox have placed C David Ross on the seven-day concussion DL and called up the solid Ryan Lavarnway. Lavarnway is a short-term AL-only option who might play a few times this week. In other Red Sox news, here's a link to info on Joel Hanrahan's season-ending surgery, in case you missed it.
- Rockies OF Charlie Blackmon homered Sunday after getting called up to replace the injured Michael Cuddyer on the roster, but look for speedy Eric Young Jr. to get more playing time.
- This neck strain of Adrian Gonzalez's is getting annoying, huh?
- Ryan Madson could be back with the Angels sometime this week. He probably won't close right away, though.
- The A's hope to get OFs Coco Crisp and Chris Young back from the DL on Wednesday.
- Rays OF Desmond Jennings missed the weekend with a groin injury, but is expected to return tomorrow.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
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FOXSports.com Fantasy Buzz » posts from May 2013

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Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: Granderson back tonight?

Fantasy Baseball Morning Update: What to do with Zack Greinke?

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