The Houston Astros decided to shut down Roy Oswalt for the rest of the season. The ace is suffering from back and hip pain and reported arm soreness after his last start. The three-time All-Star had a 8-6 record in 30 starts this season with a 4.12 ERA and 138 Ks in 181.1 innings.
Fantasy Impact: This is the first time in his career that the pitcher finished a season with an ERA over 4.00. Nonetheless, the injury will come as a blow to fantasy owners as there aren’t any better options on waiver wire. Please check “Pitch Or Ditch” for pitchers with favourable matchups.
Marco Scutaro of the Toronto Blue Jays will likely miss the rest of the season because of a tear in his right heel. The shortstop, who had multiple infield eligibility, recorded career highs with a .282 batting average and 12 home runs. Additionally he had 100 runs, 60 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
Fantasy Impact: It is a bit of a shame that you have to release Marco Scutaro as he proved to be a valuable asset this season. Keep an eye on him in the off-season as he might play for a different team in 2010. Depending on the position you were using him you may want to replace him with 2B Howie Kendrick (LAA), 2B Chris Coghlan (FLA), 3B Chris Davis (TEX), or Alberto Callaspo (KC) who has the same position eligibility as Marco Scutaro.
A back injury requires season-ending surgery for Joe Crede of the Minnesota Twins. The third baseman will be a free agent at the end of the season but health issues are making a return to the Twins organisation questionable. In just 90 games this season Crede was batting a meagre .225 and had 42 runs, 15 long balls, and 48 RBI.
Fantasy Impact: Joe Crede was of little value this season but could be a productive player, provided he stays healthy. If you still have him on your team try to replace him with Gordon Beckham (CWS) or Alberto Callaspo (KC).
The Oakland Athletics sent Vin Mazzaro to the 60-day disabled list with a right shoulder tendonitis, meaning the season has come to an end for the starting pitcher. The rookie started 17 games this season, posting a 4-9 record and a 5.32 ERA. The first month of his major league career was impressive, recording a 2.95 ERA in 6 starts, but in July and August he gave up 42 earned runs in 44.2 innings.
Fantasy Impact: You probably dropped the pitcher long before the injury, but if you haven’t done so check “Pitch Or Ditch” for possible replacements.
