Texas Rangers closer Frank Francisco was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a mild case of pneumonia. This move is retroactive to July 11. Francisco is expected to play again as soon as he’s eligible. C.J. Wilson will most likely take over the closer role in the meantime.
In 28 games Francisco has 15 saves and 2 blown opportunities. He has a 2.28 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and struck out 32 batters in 27.2 innings.
Fantasy Impact: Francisco has to be kept in all leagues and formats. C.J. Wilson is most likely the only option you have regarding a replacement. He converted 8 save opportunities when he replaced Francisco earlier this season.
Tim Wakefield of the Boston Red Sox was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain. It is still unclear when he’ll return. Clay Buchholz was called up from the Minors to take his spot in the rotation.
Having got the win 11 times in 17 starts the first 20-win season of the All Star’s career had been within reach but now seems tantalizingly remote. The knuckleballer has a 4.31 ERA this season and a 1.38 WHIP.
Fantasy Impact: Tim Wakefield is a low-end option in deep mixed leagues but has more value in AL-only leagues. Keep him if you can but he can be replaced with Ricky Romero (TOR), Joel Pineiro (STL) or Aaron Cook (COL). Other options can be found in the daily edition of “Pitch Or Ditch”.
After signing a 1-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies Pedro Martinez was sent to the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder strain. Martinez should be ready to fill a spot in the rotation once the 2 weeks are over on July 30. Martinez has not pitched in the Majors since last season.
Fantasy Impact: Apparently fantasy owners are more optimistic about the former ace than I am, as he’s been owned in roughly 25% of the leagues. The Phillies are one of the worst teams in ERA and have one of the most pitcher-unfriendly ballparks. If Martinez achieved an ERA below 5 it would be a success. For now I don’t see any reason why he should be added.
A strained right quadriceps put Fernando Nieve of the injury-plagued New York Mets on the 15-day disabled list. Ultimately the starting pitcher will miss at least 6-8 weeks, though. Jon Niese will likely take his spot in the rotation.
Nieve played 8 games this season, 7 as a starter. He has 3 wins, a 2.95 ERA and 1.50 WHIP.
Fantasy Impact: Fernando Nieve has next to no value in mixed leagues and only a little more in NL-only. Even if you have him on your team you should have no problems finding a replacement.
Here are a few players who are expected to come off the DL soon:
Kelly Johnson (ATL), Second Base, added to the active roster on July 23.
Kevin Slowey (MIN), Starting Pitcher, could return in Fantasy Week 17 (July 27 – August 2).
David Eckstein (SD), Second Base, might return July 24.
this article is courtesy of novafantasysports.com
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