Here is a look at the latest news and notes from around the diamond to help you set your fantasy baseball lineup for week 20.
American League:
Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers will have an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of his hamstring injury. With this being the third time he has injured his hamstring, I would plan on finding a replacement for him in your line up next week.
Teammate Rich Harden was placed on the disabled list with shoulder tendinitis and will miss the next few weeks. Derek Holland is expected to be recalled in time to start Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Cleveland Indians designated hitter Travis Hafner returned from the disabled list on Sunday
Ex-closer Bobby Jenks of the Chicago White Sox looks like he will be out for the early part of the week due to recurring back issues. J.J. Putz remains in the closer role despite blowing a save on Sunday.
With Jacoby Ellsbury hitting the disabled list for the third time for the Boston Red Sox, outfielders Darnell McDonald and Ryan Kalish will continue to see at bats in the outfield.
Dustin Pedroia, out for the last seven or so weeks with a fractured foot is scheduled to return to the line up on Tuesday for the Red Sox. Unless you have a stud at second base, I would go ahead and get him back in your line up and take the chance he is back and ready.
Shortstop J.J. Hardy of the Minnesota Twins missed time this past week due to a sore wrist, the same injury that already landed him on the disabled list earlier in the year. If you own him, I would reserve him for next week. Those owners with Alexi Casilla will probably want to have him active next week.
National League:
Jhoulys Chacin was promoted from Triple-A to take the rotation spot of Jeff Francis who was placed on the disabled list by the Colorado Rockies.
Brooks Conrad has filled in at third base for Atlanta with Chipper Jones lost for the season, but he could lose out on some at bats at the end of the week with Martin Prado soon to return from the disabled list and Omar Infante likely sliding over to third base.
If you are looking for a fill in at catcher, Koyie Hill has done a reasonable job filling in for Geovany Soto (disabled list). While he doesn’t produce a ton of stats, it is hard finding a catcher that might be out on the waiver wire this late in the year that can give you a full week worth of plate appearances.
With Shane Victorino back in the outfield in Philadelphia, rookie Domonic Brown is likely headed back to Triple-A at some point.


