Injury Updates & Fantasy Impact - Week 9

It seemed like many big name or hot players all went down on Tuesday with one injury or another. We look down the list to see where most of these players are at and what that could mean for them.

Gary Sheffield

After hitting just .213 with 3HR and 12RBI in the first two months of the season, fantasy owners finally have a reason to stop thinking Sheff can get it going. Sheff hit the DL on Tuesday with a strained left oblique, and will be out at least for a few weeks if not longer. Sheff has had a variety of ailments all season long and given his production this might be a well needed reprieve.

To be honest Sheff looks finished. He is closing in on 40 and unless you are Barry Bonds, this is generally where a player's career is over or near the end. I would say trade him, but I doubt you could get much for him. Be sure to keep a close eye on the FA wire in your league for a guy who could get hot for a while, or perhaps has been underachieving who you feel could still put together a productive season.

Eric Byrnes

The Diamondbacks' spark club who provides high energy for the team and more importantly SB and HR for fantasy owners has been battling sore hamstrings all season. The injury has slowed him a bit limiting him to only 4SB and a .219 batting average.

While Byrnes could have played through the injury, the D-backs played it safe and shelfed him for a bit. Give them credit for looking ahead towarda August and September when they might really need him for the stretch run.

If you own Byrnes think of this as a benficial forced benching. You can find a hot bat on the waiver wire to replace what he has been doing up to this point in the season, and when he does come back you'll be able to reap the benefits of a totally healthy player.

Travis Hafner

Sat out another game with a sore shoulder and while no DL stint seems imminent, it might not be a bad idea for Cleveland to shut him down for a bit so he can get himself totally healthy. Hafner has been awful this seasona after struggling mightily last season.

It is tough tell to you to get rid of Hafner because when healthy he is one of the best bats in baseball. But right now he really looks lost, combine that with the fact that he can't even seem to stay in the line up and you have reason to try to deal him for whatever you can get and look else where for production.

Mark Kotsay

Kotsay had to sit out with a sore back, and might wind up on the DL because of it. I will defer any further analysis or commentary to our Most Added Hitters Article in Week 7. I didn't like Kotsay then and I don't like him now.

Jeff Kent

Kent was a last minute scratch with lower back spasms. He is no longer the stud he once was but at .242, 4HR, 16R and 22RBI, he is still a decent 2B option in the right league. At the age of 40 Kent still does pretty decently for himself, but these sort of nicks and bumps are t be expected along the way. Kent is a gamer, don't be surprised to see him back in the Dodger line up tomorrow or Thursday.

Carlos Guillen

Manager Jim Leyland admitted that Guillen had been playing with a severe case of hemorrhoids, and probably should have been on the bench on Monday night. He said he would DH Guillen in an attempt to keep him in the line up, but also give him some rest at the same time.

Good God! If you were Guillen wouldn't you just want Leyland to lie and make something up, or maybe not mention the injury to people? Perhaps Leyland is trying to light a fire under Guillen's butt (much pun intended).

Injury Updates and Fantasy Impact - Week 6

Each week, FSE takes a look at the key players on the DL and offers updates, projected return times and the resulting fantasy implications.

Back This Weekend

Jimmy Rollins (sprained left ankle) - Rollins has missed the last month with a nagging ankle injury. However, he looked good in a rehab start on Wednesday and was activated tonight and is hitting leadoff for the Phillies.

Fantasy Impact: Get him back in your lineups immediately. Rollins is an all-around fantasy weapon. 

Rich Harden (strained shoulder) - After missing a month with a strained throwing shoulder, Rich Harden will make his return Sunday at Texas.

Fantasy Impact: Harden has fared well in his two starts this season, allowing only 1 ER in 11 innings of work. He'll look to pick up where he left off against the Rangers. With Harden back, Chad Gaudin will move to the Oakland bullpen.

See You Next Week

Alex Rodriguez (quad) - A-Rod took swings and fielding practice at the Yankees minor league complex Friday and came away feeling good.

Fantasy Impact: The Yankees don't want to rush A-Rod back but are sorely missing his bat in the lineup. He is eligible to return May 14 against Tampa and you would figure that both the player and team will be pushing for him to return that day. With A-Rod back, Morgan Ensberg and Wilson Betemit are mercifully taken off the fantasy radar. 

Projected Return: Wednesday May 14 at Tampa

John Lackey (triceps) - Lackey looked strong in his 4th and final rehab start Friday, throwing 88 pitches in an extended spring training game.

Fantasy Impact: The Angels ace is scheduled to make his return Wednesday against the White Sox and looks like a good start. Lackey's return means rookie Nick Adenhart's short stint in the Angels rotation is over.

Projected Return: Wednesday May 14th vs. Chicago White Sox

Josh Willingham (Back) - The Hammer was forced to the DL after his chronic back problems flared up last week. According to Willingham, he has had back problems since 2006 and they tend to flare up once or twice a year without warning.

Fantasy Impact: The Hammer was on a tear before he went on the DL hitting .340 with 6 HR and 18 RBI over the first month of the season. He has told anyone who will listen that he will come off the DL the first day he is eligible, May 13th. However, he hasn't swung a bat in two weeks and this could just be wishful thinking on his part. Either way, expect Willingham to be a bit rusty upon his return and may not be the best play in week 7. 

Projected Return: Tuesday May 13 at Cincinnati, possibly later.

Getting Closer...

Wandy Rodriguez (groin) - Rodriguez threw a bullpen session without incident on Thursday and is now scheduled for another on Saturday. If all goes well, Rodriguez will pitch a simulated game in San Francisco next week before starting a rehab assignment.

Fantasy Impact: Rodriguez was pitching really well before leaving his April 19th start with  a groin injury. Through four starts, Rodriguez is 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. More impressively, Wandy has struck out 24 batters in 23 1/3 innings of work while only allowing 5 walks. He has great potential going forward and is a prime DL stash candidate.

Projected Return: Late May

Return Pushed Back...

Howie Kendrick (Hamstring) - Kendrick, who is on a Class A rehab assignment, appeared on track to return to the Angels lineup next week. However, he felt his hamstring stiffen and was forced to miss Wednesday's rehab game. He will be reevaluated before returning to his rehab assignment.

Fantasy Impact: Tough blow for fantasy owners who were looking forward to getting Kendrick's consistent back into the lineup. Kendrick was hitting an even .500 (18/36) before getting hurt and is a great breakout candidate at second base. Stash him on the DL and wait out this nagging hamstring injury.

Projected Return: Late May

Updates From The Shelf...

- After going an unimpressive 2-2 with a 6.66 ERA in 5 rehab starts, Mark Mulder was shut down with a mild rotator cuff strain. Mulder was on schedule to return in mid-may, but is now out until mid-June at the earliest.

-  Orlando Hernandez had his the protective boot removed from his injured right foot Tuesday and can now resume jogging and throwing. The plan is to get him ready for rehab assignments soon; however, no definitive time table has been set.

- Pedro Martinez threw 60 pitches at the Mets spring training complex Friday. No time table has been set for Martinez's rehab starts or return to the majors. A late may rehab assignment followed by an early June return are the optimistic estimates.

- Jorge Posada took batting practice from both sides of the plate for the first time since being sidelined with rotator cuff tendinitis April 28th. The Yankees backstop could begin throwing early next week and is expected to miss at least another month.

- Dontrelle Willis who's been out since April 11th with a hyperextended knee was removed from his rehab start earlier this week due to pain in his injured knee. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this weekend and be reevaluated. Don't expect to see the D-Train in the Majors until June.

See You Next Year...

- Yovani Gallardo will have surgery on a torn ligament in his left knee and miss the rest of the 2008 season. The 22 year old phenom looked great in his three starts and this is certainly a tough blow who took a chance on Gallardo in the middle rounds of the draft. Dave Bush will fill his spot for now; however, with a majority of their Brewers rotation struggling some changes might be on the way.

- Twins setup man and holds specialist Pat Neshek is done for the season after an MRI showed a partial ligament tear in the reliever's throwing elbow. Matt Guerrier stands in line to see more work in the 8th inning with Neshek out.

Batter Injury Updates and Fantasy Impact - Week 4

Each week, FSE takes a look at the key injuries affecting fantasy baseball owners and offers updates, projected return times and the impending fantasy implications. Here we focus on the hitters.

Welcome Back

Curtis Granderson (Broken Right Hand) – Granderson returned to the lineup on Wednesday going 2/4 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI. He followed that up Thursday with a solo homerun.

Fantasy Impact: Get him in your lineup as fast as you can.

Welcome To The DL

Jimmy Rollins (Ankle) – Rollins officially hit the DL Sunday and is scheduled to take batting practice today at Florida. He may begin playing in rehab games as early as next week.

Fantasy Impact: Huge blow to fantasy owners but it could be worse people. Rollins looks to be healing well and his rehab process is moving along on schedule. Eric Bruntlett will start in his place.

Projected Return: Early May

See You This Weekend?

Michael Cuddyer (Finger) – Cuddyer is coming off the DL Friday and start that night at Texas.

Fantasy Impact: With Cuddyer back, Denard Span will return to the bench while Jason Kubel and Craig Monroe may split DH duties. Kubel had some nice potential entering the season. However, if the Twins choose to platoon him at DH it will mean he is not guaranteed at-bats on a nightly basis thus making him a risky fantasy option.

Projected Return: Friday at Texas

Michael Bourn (Groin) – Bourn sat out Thursday’s game and hopes to be ready to go on Friday. He has said repeatedly that he does not want to rush back and risk further injury, a bad sign for owners of the Astros’ speedster.

Fantasy Impact: Bourn is a terror on the basepaths, leading the league with 13 steals entering play today. Darin Erstad has started in Bourn’s absence and done an admirable job but clearly isn’t worth adding.

Projected Return: Saturday vs. St. Louis

Alex Rodriguez (Quads) – Although he will rejoin the team today, Rodriguez will not play tonight. The Yanks have said they want to be cautious with their 3B so he might even miss the weekend series at Cleveland with a quad strain.

Fantasy Impact: With Arod out, Morgan Ensberg will continue to start at 3B for the Yanks.

Projected Return: Saturday or Sunday at Cleveland

Scott Rolen (Finger) – Rolen is finished up a Class A rehab assignment and it appears he might be activated off the DL as early as today.

Fantasy Impact: Don’t expect much from Rolen early as he works his shakes off the rust. In time he could be a serviceable third base option hitting in an under the radar Blue Jays lineup.

Projected Return: Friday at KC

Gary Sheffield (Shoulder) – Sheff who has been battling shoulder problems throughout April and has missed the last 4 games could be back as soon as Friday.

Fantasy Impact: The Tigers offense is scorching right now putting up 19 runs on Wednesday then following that up with 8 more today. When healthy, Sheffield should thrive in Detroit’s potent lineup.

Projected Return: Friday vs. LA Angels

Moises Alou (Hernia) – Alou has been raking in rehab and more importantly has not experienced any setbacks. He received 7 at bats in an extended spring training game, an indication that he is very close.

Fantasy Impact: When healthy Alou is a force at the plate and should be a solid fantasy contributor hitting 5th in a strong Mets’ lineup. Alou’s return will send fantasy darling Angel Pagan back to the bench.

Projected Return: Monday vs. Pittsburgh

See You Next Week…

Alfonso Soriano (Calf) – Soriano will not rehab and instead will just needs to pass a series of physical tests. He is targeting a return the first day he is eligible to come off the DL – May 1st.

Fantasy Impact: Given the strong play of Ronny Cedeno and Ryan Theriot in the infield coupled with Soriano’s return to the outfield, Mark Derosa should return to a part-time role. Derosa has played well enough to be a viable fantasy option but will revert to being a spot starter and super utility man come May 1st.

Projected Return: May 1 vs. Milwaukee

Shane Victorino (Calf) – Victorino is currently on a class A rehab assignment and has not experienced any setbacks. The plan is for Victorino to play in a AA game on Friday and then a AAA game Saturday or Sunday before returning to the majors early next weeks.

Fantasy Impact: Jayson Werth has filled in nicely in center and has been hot over his last 4 games going 6/19 with 2 HR, 6 runs scored and 3 RBI. Once Victorino returns, Werth will platoon with Geoff Jenkins in right field and no longer receive regular at bats. If he were to win the starting role in right field outright, Werth may be an intriguing under the radar fantasy option playing in a great hitter's park and batting in a powerful Philly lineup. 

Projected Return: Tuesday vs. San Diego

Mike Lowell (Thumb) - Lowell took batting practice Tuesday and will begin a AAA rehab assignment on Friday. He is expected to return early next week. 

Fantasy Impact: Jed Lowrie and Sean Casey have seen some additional playing time in Lowell's absence. Lowrie has looked good since his call up, hitting .350 with 4 runs scored and 5 RBI in 20 ABs. The 24 year old will likely be sent back to the minors once Lowell returns; however, his minor league numbers and short stint in the majors have shown that he will eventually be a productive big leaguer. He projects to be a Dustin Pedroia-type .300 hitter with more power. 

Projected Return: Tuesday vs Toronto

Getting Closer...

Andy Laroche (Thumb) - Laroche, who has been out since March 7th with a torn ligament in his right thumb, went 1/6 in a AA game and has not experienced any setbacks in his rehab.

Fantasy Impact: The Dodgers offense has been weak in the early going, so you can bet Joe Torre is excited about getting the highly touted young third baseman back in the lineup. He should start at third base for LA immediately upon his return sending Nomar Garciaparra to the bench. 

Projected Return: Mid-May

On The Shelf

Eric Chavez (Back) – Chavez was moved to the 60 Day DL but his target return date of late May remains intact.

Fantasy Impact: Chavez hasn’t contributed much since 2005 and will most likely be a stop gap option at best this year as he fights his way back from a back injury.

Projected Return: Late May

Suspension Updates

Mike Cameron – Cameron who is currently serving a 25 game suspension for stimulant use will begin a class A rehab assignment today and is scheduled to return Tuesday. Brewers manager Ned Yost said that Cameron will start in centerfield and bat second upon his return.

Fantasy Impact: Cameron showed 20 homerun power in cavernous Petco Park and should benefit greatly from a move to the hitter friendly confines in Milwaukee. He will hit in a choice spot in the potent Brewers' lineup with Rickie Weeks in front of him and big bats in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder hitting behind him. Cameron could be in line for a fine season in Milwaukee and looks to be a fine fantasy option given his combination of power and speed.

Projected Return: Tuesday at Chicago Cubs

Pitcher Injury Updates & Fantasy Impact - Week 3

Each week, FSE takes a look at the key injuries affecting fantasy baseball owners and offers updates, projected return times and the impending fantasy implications. Here, we focus on the pitchers.

Next Stop - DL…

Joe Borowski (Strained Triceps) – Borowski hit the 15 day DL immediately following a disastrous blown save compliments of Manny and the Red Sox. He is now expected out for at least a month.

Fantasy Impact: All-world setup man Rafael Betancourt will get his shot to close in Borowski’s absence. If Betancourt proves reliable, Borowski’s days of working the ninth in Cleveland may be over.

Projected Return: Mid-Late May

Erik Bedard (Hip) – Bedard hit the 15-day DL due to inflammation in his right hip. The DL date is retroactive to April 9th making the 24th the first day he can return but the team has said it does not intend to rush their ace back. Bedard is definitely out for week 3 and is a risky proposition for week 4. The earliest he could return would be for a weekend series against Oakland the 25th-27th but we wouldn’t count on it. Bedard owners should plan on him being out of action until week 5.

Fantasy Impact: Tough blow for Bedard owners but injuries should you knew he was injury prone when you drafted him. Hopefully this is just a minor early season setback and he returns on schedule and effective.

Projected Return: Late April – Early May

Al Reyes (Shoulder) – Reyes is headed to the DL with an impinged right shoulder. The team said Reyes will be out until at least late April but given his advanced age, we would suspect his DL stint will last longer.

Fantasy Impact: The Tampa pen has been ineffective and is now injury riddled with Reyes and Kurt Birkins both out. Dan Wheeler will slide into the role of primary 8th inning setup man with Reyes out and could be a decent source of holds.

Projected Return: May

On The Shelf…

Pedro Martinez (Hamstring) – Some conflicting reports on the severity of Pedro’s hamstring injury coming from Omar Minaya and Pedro himself. The GM says the team will be cautious with Pedro and likely hold him out beyond the original 6 week timetable that was set for his return. Meanwhile, Pedro told Dominican sources he is working hard, feels ahead of schedule and could return before the end of May.

Fantasy Impact: Pedro’s injury coupled with the extended absence of El Duque who is still fighting back from a foot injury means Mike Pelfrey and Nelson Figueroa are guaranteed around another month’s worth of starts. In the case of Pelfrey, he has pitched great thus far in April and is beginning to realize his potential. If the big righty continues to prosper, Hernandez may not be guaranteed a regular spot in the rotation upon his return and may land in the bullpen.

Projected Return: I like Pedro’s optimism but there is no way the Mets agree to rush the veteran pitcher back - Mid-May.

Back Later This Week…

Shawn Hill (Forearm) – The promising yet injury-riddled Nats’ youngster went 6 innings in a AAA rehab start and is scheduled to make his season debut Saturday against Florida.

Fantasy Impact: Hill is a guy we have always liked around FSE and has the potential to be an effective NL starter if he can stay healthy. He won’t win all that many games playing for a bad Nationals’ team but can be a good source of quality starts and ERA support.

Projected Return: Saturday at Florida

Yovani Gallardo (Knee Surgery) – Gallardo threw 90 pitched in a recent AAA rehab assignment and looked strong. He is scheduled to make his season debut Sunday at Cincinnati.

Fantasy Impact: Ned Yost has a decision to make regarding his starting rotation. Youngsters Carlos Villanueva and Manny Parra got off to hot starts filling in for Gallardo but have struggled of late while veteran Dave Bush has more or less struggled all season. One guy will be removed from the rotation upon Gallardo’s return and our money remains on Bush being moved to the pen… although we are not as confident about that call as we were a week ago. Stay tuned.

Projected Return: Making Season Debut Sunday at Cincinnati

On The Road Back…

Scott Kazmir (Elbow) – Kazmir threw two innings in extend spring training and will now make a rehab a class A rehab on Friday.

Fantasy Impact: Kazmir’s return will push James Shields and Matt Garza (upon his return) back a slot in the rotation adding to their value. Andy Sonnanstine and Edwin Jackson, who has pitched well in the early going, should round out the Rays’ rotation.

Projected Return: Early May

Mark Mulder (Shoulder) – Threw 63 pitches in his first Class A rehab start, allowing 1 earned run and 6 hits over 5 innings of work. Mulder also registered a strikeout but more importantly did not walk any batters.

Fantasy Impact: Mulder’s return is rapidly approaching. Given the way the Cardinals staff has performed, he has to be considered a solid sleeper going into May and a prime DL-stash candidate.

Projected Return: Early May

JJ Putz (Ribcage) – Putz threw off the mound Wednesday for the second time this week; however, the team still refuses to provide a definitive timetable for his return. He threw 41 pitches in a 10-minute bullpen session and reportedly felt fine afterwards; an encouraging sign.

Fantasy Impact: Mark Lowe appears to be the top closing option in the Mariners bullpen right now and could be a source of a few cheap saves while Putz is out.

Projected Return: With the way Seattle is handling their prized closer, he looks 1 ½ - 2 weeks away from returning. Think week 5 Putz owners.

Rafael Soriano (elbow) – Soriano is recovering well from elbow tendonitis. His DL date is retroactive to April 9th meaning he is eligible to return April 23-24 against Florida.

Fantasy Impact: With Peter Moylan down and possibly done (see below) Soriano will be asked to carry the load in the Braves’ pen. He will immediately return to his role as closer upon returning.

Projected Return: April 23-24 vs. Florida

Dontrelle Willis (Knee) – Hasn’t experienced any setbacks in recovering from a hyperextended knee outside of a 761 dollar fine, 50 hours community service and 6 months probation as a result of a DUI arrest.

Fantasy Impact: Willis was off to a rocky start before the injury. D-train owners are hoping he can regain his old form upon his return and that he has learned to know when to say when. With the Tigers beginning to roll, the Willis is a more attractive pitching option going forward and could be a nice buy low candidate right now.

Projected Return: Late April

John Lackey (Triceps) – Lackey threw a 40 pitch bullpen session and 20 pitches to live batters before Wednesday’s game. Lackey has now thrown 3 bullpen sessions in the past 2 weeks and his next moves will be a two inning simulated game Saturday followed by a Class A rehab assignment.
Fantasy Impact: Lackey owners and Angels fans eagerly await the return of the bonafide fantasy and real-life ace.

Projected Return: Early-Mid May

Rich Harden (Arm) – Harden has been shutdown and has not thrown in a week. However, the A’s say the righty is on schedule for a return in late April.

Fantasy Impact: Harden had strung together a series of great starts before going down with an arm injury. It is believed the injury is mild and the extended rest is more precautionary given his extensive injury history.

Projected Return: Best Case Scenario - April 25th-27th series at Seattle. More likely - Week 5.

Matt Garza (Elbow) – Garza felt no pain after a 30 pitch bullpen session Tuesday. Garza has said he feel great and will be ready to return as early as next Thursday, April 24.

Fantasy Impact: Garza is a talented young pitcher and will slot into the 3 slot once Kazmir returns from injury in early May.

Projected Return: April 25th-27th series vs. Boston

Mike Gonzalez (Elbow) – Gonzalez has been throwing live batting practice and is starting a rehab assignment in Florida as he closes on a return to the majors after missing nearly a year following Tommy John surgery.

Fantasy Impact: Given the state of the Atlanta bullpen with Peter Moylan down and Rafael Soriano being injury prone, Gonzalez could be in line to close at some point this season. He makes for a very under the radar DL stash candidate as he nears his return.

Projected Return: Early May

Fantasy Graveyard - Headed to Dr. James Andrews…

Fernando Rodney (Shoulder) – Rodney has struggled in his bullpen session and will now get his ailing shoulder checked out by Dr. Andrews.

Fantasy Impact: Rodney has been a good source of holds and a candidate to vulture saves in the past but I wouldn’t expect much from him in 2008.

Peter Moylan (Right Elbow Soreness) – Moylan felt the dreaded “twinge” in his elbow and is now extremely sore and headed for a visit with Dr. James Andrews.

Fantasy Impact: The Braves don’t sound to optimistic about their workhorse reliever and whatever the case, you can expect Moylan to miss a decent amount of time with the chance he is shutdown for the season. With oft-injured closer Soriano also out until at least Tuesday, Manny Acosta will likely be the best source of saves in the Braves bullpen for now. Reminder, keep an eye out for Mike Gonzalez!

Baseball Injury Updates & Fantasy Impact - Week 2

Each week, FSE takes a look at the key injuries affecting fantasy baseball owners and offers updates, projected return times and the impending fantasy implications.

Bats

Curtis Granderson (Broken Right Hand) – Granderson began taking swings yesterday for the first time in two and a half weeks and will continue to do so as long as there is no swelling in his hand.

Fantasy Impact: Fantasy owners and the surprisingly feeble Tigers lineup are both hoping for a speedy recovery.

Projected Return: Late April

Jorge Posada (Shoulder) – When your catcher is saying things like “I am not 100 percent” or “It’s dead, no strength” in regards to his throwing shoulder you have a problem. The Royals ran all over Posada before he left the game and he will have further tests to gauge the severity of the injury.

Fantasy Impact: When healthy, Posada is a top 5 catcher, however, he is 37 years old and injuries are bound to occur. A DL stint is very likely here as the Yanks will probably play it safe with their veteran backstop.

Projected Return: 2 Weeks

Derek Jeter (Quad) – Jeter’s quad continues to sideline him, however, the Yankee captain has said he will be back for Friday’s game at Boston.

Fantasy Impact: Like Granderson, the Yankees and fantasy owners alike can’t wait to have him back.

Projected Return: We take Jeter at his word around these parts – Friday vs. Boston.

Michael Cuddyer (Finger) – Cuddyer visited a hand specialist as he recovers from a dislocated right index finger.

Fantasy Impact: With Cuddyer out, Jason Kubel will be guaranteed at-bats in either RF or DH nearly every night. He has decent power potential and is worth a look.

Projected Return: Early May

Scott Rolen (Finger) – Is making good progress as he recovers from a broken finger and is on track to return by the end of the month.

Fantasy Impact: With Rolen back, Marco Scutaro will return to the bench. In other words, there isn’t much impact to discuss here.

Projected Return: 2-3 Weeks

Arms

JJ Putz (Ribcage) – Although he is eligible to come off the DL in 8 days, the team is not sure if Putz will be able to return to action that quickly. Putz will test out his strained ribcage by throwing in the outfield this afternoon at which point we will know more about the extent of his injury.

Fantasy Impact: After Mark Lowe flopped in the ninth inning, the team turned to Ryan Rowland-Smith to close the door on the Rays and he came through with an impressive 5 out save. The Mariners insist that they will use a closer by committee system while Putz is out, but right now the edge has to go to Rowland-Smith as the best source of cheap saves in the M’s bullpen.

Projected Return: 2 Weeks

BJ Ryan (Elbow) – Pitched well on 2-days rest in Class A ball. He will continue to rehab in the minors to build up strength in his pitching shoulder.

Fantasy Impact: Jeremy Accardo who amassed 30 saves with Ryan injured last season will continue to close. He has shown that he is more than capable of working the 9th and is a great fantasy option while Ryan is out.

Projected Return: Late April

Chad Cordero (Shoulder) – The Chief will begin a Class A rehab assignment tonight and should be ready to make his season debut this weekend against the Braves.

Fantasy Impact: With Cordero back, Jon Rauch will return to his role as the Nationals’ primary 8th inning setup man.

Projected Return: Friday vs. Atlanta

Orlando Hernandez ( Foot Pain) – El Duque returned to New York for MRIs on his ailing left foot; the same foot that was bothering him during Spring Training.

Fantasy Impact: With Duque and Pedro both out, Mike Pelfrey and Nelson Figuerro will serve as the Mets 4th and 5th starters. If either should struggle, the Mets may turn there attention to the free agent market which includes the recently released Claudio Vargas and Robinson Tejada.

Projected Return: Late April – Early May

Matt Garza (Arm) – Garza was forced to leave his start against Seattle early on Tuesday due to an irritated nerve in his pitching arm.

Fantasy Impact: With Garza out, Jeff Niemann looks primed to snag the 5th starter role while the ever-improving Edwin Jackson will have additional time to secure a role in the Rays rotation.
Projected Return: Early-Mid May

Doug Davis (Thyroid Cancer) – Davis will undergo treatment for Thyroid Cancer and is out indefinitely.

Fantasy Impact: Randy Johnson is currently on class AAA rehab assignment and the team says he will be ready to make his season debut in Davis’ spot on April 14.

Projected Return: Mid May

Yovani Gallardo (Knee) – Out since March following arthroscopic knee surgery, Gallardo threw 90 pitches in his recent rehab start and looks ready to return to the Brewers’ rotation.

Fantasy Impact: Gallardo’s impending return means the Brewers will have some choices to make in regards to their starting rotation. Manny Parra and Carlos Villanueva have both looked very good thus far in the 4 and 5 slots. Thus, I wouldn’t be surprised if Dave Bush is the odd man out of the rotation when Gallardo returns and is moved into a long relief role.

Projected Return: April 19th at Cincinnati

Joel Pineiro (Shoulder) – Pineiro was strong in his last rehab outing Tuesday and looks to be on a fast track back to the Majors.

Fantasy Impact: Pineiro was strong towards the end of last season and given the success of the Cardinals staff here in the early season, he could be a nice sleeper candidate going forward. Take a flier on the righty in AL-only and deeper mixed leagues, the talent is there.

Projected Return: Next Week

Shawn Hill (Forearm) – Hill was impressive in his final Class A rehab start pitching 5 scoreless innings and touching 90-91 mph on the radar gun which is normal velocity for his fastball.

Fantasy Impact: Hill has a ton of talent but he is always hurt. Keep an eye on the Nats’ defacto ace as he can be a strong play in favorable matchups and may eventually be a decent fantasy contributor.

Projected Return: Sunday vs. Atlanta

Bartolo Colon (Oblique) – Colon will miss his next minor league start with an oblique injury.

Fantasy Impact: Clay Buchholz looks safe for a few more major league starts.