It seems that not a week goes by without a New York Mets player getting injured. Last week they added two more names to their never-ending list of inactive players. An MRI on Johan Santana’s left elbow showed bone chips, which will require season-ending surgery.
In 25 starts this season the ace recorded 13 wins, a 3.13 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 166.2 innings.
Fantasy Impact: The southpaw was likely drafted as one of the top three pitchers in fantasy leagues and will be impossible to replace. Please check “Pitch Or Ditch” to find pitchers with favourable matchups in order to limit the damage for your team.
Joining his Mets teammate on the 15-day disabled list is Oliver Perez. The southpaw suffers from patellar tendonitis and will undergo surgery. The starting pitcher will miss the rest of the season. Earlier this season Perez spent more than two months on the DL with a similar injury.
In 14 starts Perez had a 3-4 record with a ERA 6.82 and a 1.92 WHIP. On average he pitched 4.2 innings per game but struck out 8.5 batters per 9 innings.
Fantasy Impact: Oliver Perez can be released in all leagues and formats. I have not recommended starting him even once this season, so it should not be impossible to find a replacement for him. Check “Pitch Or Ditch” and see if you can find some of the recommended pitchers on waiver wire.
The Washington Nationals placed Nyjer Morgan on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left hand. The outfielder, who was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the trading deadline, will miss the remainder of the season.
In 120 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals Morgan was batting .307 with 74 runs, 3 home runs, 39 RBI and 42 stolen bases.
Fantasy Impact: Needless to say, Morgan can be dropped in all leagues and formats. He went undrafted in most but proved to be a popular pick up because of his batting average and stolen bases. If you are very lucky you’ll find Michael Bourne (HOU) on waiver wire. Scott Podsednik (CWS) can be considered another adequate replacement. If you are not looking for a base stealer you could try Garrett Jones (PIT), Cody Ross (FLA) or Chris Coghlan (FLA).
Russell Branyan of the Seattle Mariners went on the 15-day disabled list with a herniated disc in his lower back. The first baseman could be out for the season.
In 116 games Russell Branyan has 64 runs, a career-best 31 long balls, 76 RBI and 2 stolen bases while batting .251.
Fantasy Impact: Hang on to Branyan until we know for sure if his season is over. Garrett Jones (PIT) or Billy Butler (KC) look like the best available replacements.
Here are a few players who are expected to come off the DL soon:
Tim Hudson (ATL), Starting Pitcher, expected to start September 1.
Jose Guillen (KC), Outfielder, might return September 1.
David Wright (NYM), Third Base, expected to return September 1.
Freddy Sanchez (SF), Second Base, eligible to return September 2.
Adrian Beltre (SEA), Third Base, expected to return September 1.
Brandon McCarthy (TEX), Starting Pitcher, expected to start September 1.
this article is courtesy of novafantasysports.com
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