So far this week we covered a little bit of everything, extending from hot and cold players and MLB Trade Rumors, to the heavy streaking bats, and the best pitching.
But the other side of the coin is the players who aren't playing right now; news that is always just as noteworthy.
It's time to add the final ingredient to the mix before you’all set out into Week 12 – the DL list.
Let’s take a quick look at the latest additions to the baseball infirmary, as well as what's going on in the rehab sector of baseball.
The Not So Healthy.
Owners of rookie sensation Jason Heyward will be without his services for at least two days and perhaps even longer pending a visit with the hand specialist. Heyward has been dealing with a sore thumb nearly all month long and its effects have shown through his line as he is batting .181/.287/.245 with 32 whiffs, in 94 AB.
Gregor Blanco (yes that’s how you spell his name for those of you who will search it…nevermind, here!) will take Heyward’s place. Blanco is a career .249 hitter for the Braves and while he will offer some good speed, he doesn't project to give you much more. Still, guys coming off the bench this year have flourished, so you may want to add him to your watch list.
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SP Clay Buchholtz may not have to add his name to the 15 day DL reports Amalie Bejamin on Twitter after he hyper-extended his knee Saturday vs. the Giants. The issue here is that it’s a hyper-extended knee, and pitchers REALLY need those things. The Red Sox have a favorable schedule in regard to time, so he could wind up simply missing a start…either way make sure you’re up to speed when that day comes.
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As if things aren’t bad enough for the Red Sox the team just lost 2B Dustin Pedroia to the 15 day DL with a displaced fractured foot.
Bill Hall will be the guy to initially take his place, and if you are looking to replace Pedroia, Hall could be a serviceable option who brings power, but a lot of Ks. In just 124 AB this season Hall has hit .226/.329/.395 with 5 dingers and 16 RBI, with 19 runs scored and three stolen bases.
On Their Way Back.
Carlos Beltran of the Mets has finally begun swinging the bat going 3-for-4 with a double, two RBI and a run scored in a rehab game Saturday with Single-A Port St. Lucie. Beltran played seven full innings which is really good news to his owners, and his progress is going well. The Newark Star-Ledger suggests that he could return to the Mets' starting lineup right after the All-Star break.
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SP Rich Harden (strained glute) has begun throwing on flat ground this week which is good news for anyone who owns him. The original report back on the 12th was that Harden could return before the AS break, but he’ll need at least two or three rehab starts before he can get back on the mound. A return after the break seems more likely, and if you are in need of a strike throwing pitcher, Harden could be a nice addition with a 8.1 K/9 rate and a slim 28% ownership in most leagues.
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Catcher Carlos Ruiz claims he is no longer feeling the effects (headaches) after getting whacked in the head on an errand broken bat swing by Minnesota’s Jason Kubel. Ruiz could start a rehab assignment next week. The Phillies are hoping Ruiz—who is having one of his better seasons thus far—can return by the 10th of July. Brian Snider has filled in admirably, but he isn’t a fantasy option and should be avoided.
Ruiz was hitting .275/.398/.366 with 2 HR and 13 RBI with 8 DBLs before the injury. If you are looking for a serviceable options why not check out Toronto’s John Buck.
Here's a great video courtesy of ESPN.
