Kevin Youkilis, First Baseman of the Bosten Red Sox, was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained oblique muscle. This move was retroactive to May 5. Youkilis had missed 7 games before the Red Sox opted for this move.
Kevin Youkilis has 23 runs, 6 home runs, 20 RBI, 1 stolen base and a batting average of .393 in 25 games. He is on pace for the best season in his career. Jeff Bailey will start at first base while “Youk” is out.
Needless to say, Kevin Youkilis must be kept in all formats. He is expected to play as soon as he’s eligible to come off the DL. In the meantime, Todd Helton (COL), Kendry Morales (LAA), Nick Johnson (WAS) and Casey Blake (LAD) look like reasonable replacements. I don’t recommend Jeff Bailey!
Struggling Outfielder Conor Jackson, Arizona Diamondbacks, landed on the 15-day disabled list with a general illness.
In 99 at-bats Jackson recorded 8 runs, 1 homer, 14 RBI while batting a disappointing .182. He has 5 stolen bases as well.
I don’t recommend hanging on to Conor Jackson. It is unclear if he even returns as a starter when he comes off the DL. I am sure there are adequate fantasy replacements out there.
The St. Louis Cardinals put slugging outfielder Ryan Ludwick on the 15-day disabled list with a strained hamstring. This is very unfortunate as Ludwick was supposed to get more at-bats.
Ryan Ludwick is about to repeat the great season he had in 2008. In 30 games he has 16 runs, 8 long balls, 26 RBI, 2 stolen bases and a batting average of .274.
Ludwick should be stashed in all leagues. He is expected to play as soon as he is eligible to come off the DL.
New York Mets First Baseman Carlos Delgado has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 11, with an impingement in his right hip. The bad news is that he will have surgery. Delgado will miss at least 10 weeks but could be out for the season.
Delgado is batting .298 and has 15 runs, 4 home runs and 23 RBI in 25 games.
I suggest hanging on to Carlos Delagado in all formats for now. Fernando Tatis replaced Delgado at first base and offers a reasonable option but you might be able to pick up Todd Helton (COL), Kendry Morales (LAA), Nick Johnson (WAS) or Casey Blake (LAD) in your league.
Frank Francisco, closer for the Texas Rangers, was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of biceps tendonitis. This move is retroactive to May 7. It is a precautionary move and he is expected to return to the line up on May 22.
Frank Francisco is clearly one of the best closers this year, recording 9 saves in 14 games, a perfect ERA and a WHIP of 0.75.
C.J. Wilson is Francisco’s replacement and should only be added as such.
Pat Burrell, Designated Hitter for the Tampa Bay Rays, went on the 15-day disabled list with a neck strain. This move is retroactive to May 11. It is expected that Burrell will be available when he’s eligible to come off the DL.
Widely considered a sleeper, Burrell didn’t live up to the trust fantasy experts had in him. He is batting .250 and has 9 runs, 1 homer, 17 RBI and 1 stolen base in 30 games.
Pat Burrell is a low-end option in mixed leagues. Hang on to him if you are in an AL-only league. Otherwise you should be able to find replacements. Coco Crisp (KC), J.D. Drew (BOS), Milton Bradley (CHC) look like options for a short fix.
Rickie Weeks, Second Baseman for the Milwaukee Brewers, had limited value at draft day. He soon became one of the most productive fantasy players this year however, a tear in his wrist put an end to his season.
Weeks was batting .272 and had 28 runs, 9 home runs, 24 RBI and 2 stolen bases in 37 games.
It is unclear who’s going to replace Rickie Weeks at second base but it’s worth keeping an eye on prospect Alcides Escobar, who could be recalled sooner than anticipated.
Here are a few players who are expected to come off the DL soon:
Daisuke Matsuzaka (BOS), Starting Pitcher, might return this weekend.
Carlos Zambrano (CHC), Starting Pitcher, expected to start May 22.
Travis Hafner (CLE), First Base, likely to join the team after the weekend.
Chien-Ming Wang (NYY), Starting Pitcher, could rejoin the rotation after the weekend.
Rick Ankiel (STL), Outfielder, expected to return May 20.
Chris Carpenter (STL), Starting Pitcher, expected to start May 20.
