Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 19.
American League:
A.J. Burnett (back spasms) was scratched from his Sunday start for the New York Yankees and pushed to Tuesday, making him a two start pitcher in week 19 against the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals.
Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann are both questionable for their starts next week for the Tampa Bay Rays. If Davis does not go, Jeremy Hellickson will likely be recalled to start for Davis on Tuesday against Detroit. If Niemann is out, he will likely be replaced again by Andy Sonnanstine against Baltimore.
Kevin Slowey will have his start skipped for the Minnesota Twins next week due to a sore elbow and will be replaced in the rotation by Glen Perkins.
Orlando Hudson is expected to return from the disabled list for the Minnesota Twins which sends Alexi Casilla back to the bench. Casilla sprained his ankle over the weekend and was going to be sitting on the bench regardless but it serves as a reminder to make sure you reserve him for next week.
Vernon Wells of the Toronto Blue Jays suffered a dislocated toe in Sundays game against Tampa Bay and should be benched for next week. His long term status has still not been updated.
Also coming back from the disabled list next week is Carlos Guillen of the Detroit Tigers. His return sends Will Rhymes back to Triple-A.
National League:
Manager Ken Macha of the Milwaukee Brewers decided to give Trevor Hoffman a save opportunity on Saturday and it looks like he could get more chances in the future in some what of a time share with John Axford. With the Milwaukee Brewers struggling in the standings, they are likely trying to ensure that Hoffman can rack up three more saves to get to 600 in his career.
Despite being a two start pitcher in week 19, Carlos Zambrano of the Chicago Cubs should still remain on your bench as he will be on a 75 to 80 pitch count meaning it may be tough for him to get in five innings to qualify for a win.
Recent call up Fernando Martinez of the New York Mets looks like he will serve in a platoon role with Jeff Francoeur and see at bats against right-handed pitching.
