Lots of action last night, but before we recap the action, let's see how my Spot Start predictions went.Start Vin Mazzaro Oak, Tuesday vs Kansas City
Mazzaro had a solid start in this one, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) in 6 innings while striking out 5. He didn't get the win, as the game was tied at the time of his departure, and Craig Breslow eventually blew the game in the 9th. You can't really complain about this start, despite not recording a win, as a 1.5 ERA, 1.16 WHIP is nothing to be upset about.
Sit Scott Olsen Was, Tuesday at Arizona
Hopefully you didn't need my advice on this one to begin with, but in case you did, I hope you took it. Olsen gave up 5 earned runs in 5.2 IP, while posting a WHIP of 1.41 and only punching out 3. An ugly outing for Olsen, who has been a decent pitcher this season. I hate to say it, but I told you so.
So far, I've correctly predicted 3 of 4 Start/Sit decisions this week. Tune in tomorrow to see how Wednesday's games went. Now onto other news from around the league.
Jacoby Ellsbury returns...part 2
According to Terry Francona, Ellsbury will be activated and should play in the Red Sox game against the Indians tonight. It's been a rough season for Ellsbury owners, who never thought in million years that rib problems would only allow him to play in 9 games through July 3rd. Hopefully you hung onto him, as his upside far outweighs any replacement you could have possibly gotten. He should be safe to activate in daily and weekly leagues.
Ryan Howard latest DL victim
Ryan Howard just got shipped off to the DL, becoming the latest superstar to get hit with the injury bug. This season has been called "The Year of the Pitcher" (will post on this later) and most of the time that is attributed to "post-steroid-era baseball" but can you not consider all the injuries in this statement? Nearly every team in the league (and every fantasy team) has been hit at some point or another.
Howard's injury is a sprained ankle, so it doesn't look too serious. He should be out no more than 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, finding a replacement first basemen might be difficult. Look at the potential replacements I named for Kevin Youkilis for advice.
Adam Dunn placed on waivers
This is breaking news, however everyone who knew anything about the situatin knew it was coming. Because of the way waivers work, it is highly unlikely that any American League team will even get a shot at Dunn. National League teams will get first crack, going in order of worst record to best record. There is speculation as to which teams would claim him, but the best and safest bets are San Fransisco and Colorado. If either of these teams claims him (and they likely will), neither team would be able to match the Nationals demands for Dunn, and he will likely be taken back off waivers and remain with the Nationals for the remainder of the season. If your in an NL-only league, don't hit the panic button, and if your in an AL only league, don't hold your breath.
Manny suffers setback, Furcal strains back
Manny has suffered a "setback" in his rehab from a right calf strain, according to Joe Torre, and he likely won't begin a minor league rehab assignment for another week. In shallow, 10 team leagues, I have no problem with you dropping him at this point.
An MRI exam revealed that LA shortstop Rafael Furcal has a low back strain. He's currently listed as day-to-day, and won't play in tonight's game against San Diego. If he can manage to avoid a DL stint, he will likely be out at least a few more games, but that remains to be seen.
