An embarrassing accident earned “Cubbie” Ryan Dempster a trip to the 15-day disabled list. The starting pitcher tried to hop over the dugout railing to celebrate a win and fractured his big toe. The injury will likely keep him out of the rotation for 3 to 4 weeks.
Ryan Dempster is having a 4.09 ERA and 1.37 WHIP on the season. In 17 starts he has 5 wins and as many losses.
Fantasy Impact: Even though Dempster’s season could be described as average he should be stashed in all leagues and formats. Aaron Cook (COL), Joel Pineiro (STL), Brad Bergesen (BAL) or Dallas Braden might be the best options from waiver wire to replace Ryan Dempster. Feel free to check “Pitch Or Ditch” for day-to-day recommendations as well.
After just 3 games with his new team, the St. Louis Cardinals, third baseman Mark De Rosa finds himself on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left wrist. It is still unknown when he’ll return but he will certainly be out for more than 2 weeks.
Mark De Rosa is having a very solid season with 47 runs, 13 home runs, 50 RBI and 1 stolen base, while batting .261 in 74 games this season.
Fantasy Impact: Mark De Rosa is a viable option in deep mixed leagues and NL-only and should be stashed if possible. Depending on the position you were using De Rosa he could be replaced with Kendry Morales (LAA), Gordon Beckham (CWS), Placido Polanco (DET) or Emilio Bonifacio (FLA), to name a few.
Another player of the Chicago Cubs who ended up on the 15-day disabled list is Geovany Soto. The catcher suffers from an oblique strain and could be out for a month.
The NL Rookie of 2008 has a pretty nightmarish season so far. In 69 games he is batting .230 and has 19 runs, 8 homers, 27 RBI and 1 stolen base.
Fantasy Impact: Catchers are like closers, you will hardly find any productive ones on waiver wire although you could try Miguel Olivo (KC) while you put Geovany Soto on DL. If you’re very lucky you will find the likes of Chris Iannetta (COL), Mike Napoli (LAA) or Bengie Molina (SF) available.
The Los Angeles Angels are another team that had to send two of their players, outfielders to be precise, to the disabled list. Torii Hunter was diagnosed with a strained adductor muscle and will be out for 3 to 4 weeks according to manager Mike Scioscia.
Torii Hunter is having a marvellous season, batting .305 and accounting for 56 runs, 17 longballs, 65 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 77 games.
Fantasy Impact: Torii Hunter must be stashed in all leagues and formats. Needless to say that Hunter can’t be replaced in terms of productivity but Cody Ross (FLA), Michael Cuddyer (MIN) or Kendry Morales look more than capable to provide damage limitation.
Vladimir Guerrero suffered a strained left knee and will miss 3 to 4 weeks.
Guerrero’s statistics do not justify his high draft position this season. In 46 games he is batting .290 and has 22 runs, 4 home runs, 21 RBI and 2 stolen bases.
Fantasy Impact: Traditionally Guerreo is more productive after the All Star break. This argument could be made in order to find a taker for a trade.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce suffered a fractured right wrist, which will keep him out of the lineup for at least 6 to 8 weeks and could end his season if surgery is necessary.
Jay Bruce is clearly underachieving this season, batting .207 on the season with 31 runs, 18 homers, 41 RBI and 3 stolen bases. He is struggling mightily against LHP.
Fantasy Impact: Stash him if you can, after all he is playing in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks, but be prepared to drop him altogether. A trade may be difficult as I’ve experienced all season long.
Here are a few players who are expected to come off the DL soon:
Kelly Johnson (ATL), Second Baseman, likely to return July 18.
Mike Lowell (BOS), Third Baseman, will be activated July 17. Carlos Quentin (CWS), Outfielder, might return July 17.
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