The Arizona Diamondbacks are expected to promote top pitching prospect Trevor Bauer to the major leagues shortly to replace Joe Saunders in the rotation who was placed on the disabled list. Bauer is expected to start Thursday against the Atlanta Braves on the road.
There are also going to be a few changes to the two start pitchers for next week as the Detroit Tigers activated Drew Smyly from the disabled list and sent Jacob Turner to Triple-A making Smyly a 2 start pitcher for next week. I would sit him in mixed league formats given he wasn’t great in his last rehab assignment and his first start of the week is against the Texas Ranger. The Tampa Bay Rays announced that Jeremy Hellickson is expected to return to the rotation on June 30th which puts Chris Archer’s second start next week in jeopardy so I would not be willing to activate him in mixed league formats with only one start if you have better alternatives.
Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around major league baseball to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 13 (June 25 – July 1) of the 2012 fantasy baseball season.
American League:
6 games: BAL, LAA
7 games: BOS, CLE, CWS, DET, KC, MIN, NYY, OAK, SEA, TB, TEX, TOR
Hitters:
The trade of Kevin Youkilis from the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox ends the days of Orlando Hudson as a starter. Hudson had little value even in AL-only formats and now can be cut loose with no chance of seeing full-time at bats any longer.
The Toronto Blue Jays made a move in their lineup, demoting David Cooper to Triple-A and recalling Adam Lind. Lind had a strong performance at Triple-A where he was hitting .392 in 125 at bats with eight home runs and 29 RBI.
Pitchers:
The Oakland Athletics placed pitcher Brandon McCarthy on the disabled list with shoulder soreness and replaced him in the rotation with A.J. Griffin who got the start Sunday against the San Francisco Giants. Griffin went six innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four. A 13th round pick in the 2010 draft, Griffin posted a 2.66 ERA between two minor league levels this season in 94 2/3 innings with 84 strikeouts and a .208 batting average against. He faces Texas in his start next week so I would leave him reserved for week 13.
The Boston Red Sox placed starting pitcher Clay Buchholz on the disabled list with a gastrointestinal issue. Aaron Cook came off the disabled list today and collected a win against the Atlanta Braves, allowing two runs in five innings without a strikeout.
To see all of the two start pitchers in week 13, click here.
National League:
6 games: ARI, ATL, CHC, MIA, MIL, STL
7 games: CIN, COL, HOU, LAD, NYM, PHI, PIT, SD, SF, WAS
Hitters:
The New York Mets activated shortstop Ruben Tejada from the disabled list and he was back in the lineup Sunday batting second gaainst the New York Yankees. The team sent down Jordany Valdespin to the minor leagues to make room for Tejada.
The Cincinnati Reds are expected to activate outfielder Drew Stubbs from the disabled list on Monday. Stubbs has been rehabbing at Class A Dayton and is expected to be ready for the game tomorrow against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Pitchers:
The New York Mets placed closer Frank Francisco on the disabled list with an oblique strain with Bobby Parnell expected to take over as closer in his absence. Parnell has a 3.30 ERA and 1.37 WHIP in 30 innings with 30 strikeouts. He was unsuccessful when given the chance to close last season, converting just 6-of-12 save chances so bear that in mind when deciding whether to claim him or not.
Jeff Karstens is expected to rejoin the Pittsburgh Pirates rotation and start on Monday against the Philadelphia Phillies. The move will keep Erik Bedard as a two-start pitcher but now James McDonald will see only one start in week 13.
The San Diego Padres have placed starting pitcher Anthony Bass on the disabled list which scratches him as a two-start pitcher for next week. The team has not decided on a replacement from Triple-A as of yet, but none of the candidates they are looking at offer any fantasy value.
To see all of the two-start pitchers in week 13, click here.
