Outfielder Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers hit the disabled list and will be out of action for four week with a strained hamstring. The team called up Alex Castellanos from Triple-A to take Kemp’s place on the roster. Castellanos, acquired in a trade last July from the St. Louis Cardinals for Rafael Furcal, was hitting .379 in 87 at bats with five home runs, 14 RBI and nine stolen bases. In tonight’s game, the Dodgers started Elian Herrera in center field and had him hitting first in the order. Castellanos has some value in NL-only formats but doesn’t figure to see consistent enough at bats for now to matter in mixed leagues. Also keep in mind that Juan Rivera is expected to come off of the disabled list tomorrow as well which puts another player into the outfield mix.
The Colorado Rockies placed shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on the disabled list with a strained groin though he is expected to only miss the minimum amount of time which is two weeks. Marco Scutaro is starting at shortstop for the Rockies with DJ LeMahieu getting the start at second base. I really don’t see any significant fantasy upside to any of the players that will be filling in at middle infield while Tulowitzki is out of action.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis suffered a broken hamate in his hand and will miss around a month of action. The team has several uninspiring candidates to throw out in right field, but none that are going to be able to help a fantasy team out.
The Seattle Mariners are looking at promoting relief pitcher Stephen Pryor before Friday’s game. I wrote about Pryor earlier in one of the minor league report columns. With Brandon League out of the closer role and the Mariners bullpen in flux, Pryor could eventually see some save opportunities down the road.
The Atlanta Braves will call up shortstop Andrelton Simmons from Double-A tomorrow to replace Tyler Pastornicky who was sent down to the minor leagues. Simmons was batting .292 in 171 at bats with three home runs, 21 RBI and 10 stolen bases. Given the development he still needs at the plate, he really only brings to the table some stolen bases for fantasy purposes.
Demotions:
If you are still holding onto any of the following players, you can go ahead and cut them from your fantasy team and try to find some0ne with more value or a minor league with some possible upside for later in the season.
Tyson Ross (OAK) – sent down to Triple-A due to a lack of control and Brandon McCarthy coming back from the disabled list.
