Angels SP Garrett Richards left Wednesday's game with a "serious" left knee injury suffered when he was covering first base in the bottom of the second inning. Richards was taken off the field on a stretcher, and will be re-evaluated today. The possibility of surgery was mentioned to Richards in the trainer's room, according to the Orange County Register, and almost everyone who saw the injury (reported to be Richards' patellar tendon) assumes that Richards' season is over.
If you own Richards, you've got plenty of fantasy free-agent options, including this blog's daily streaming recommendations. If you'd like a more permanent solution, start by looking at a couple of Rays: Jake Odorizzi (owned in 48.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) and Drew Smyly (21.6 percent owned).
Wednesday's studs & duds
Stud: Detroit's Rick Porcello threw a three-hit shutout against the Rays. Porcello ranks 27th among starters in ERA (3.10) and 18th in WHIP (1.12).
Stud: Porcello's teammate, Victor Martinez, hit his 24th home run of the season and added five RBI.
Dud: A's SP Jeff Samardzija got pummeled for seven runs in three-and-two-thirds innings against the Mets. It's going to be a shame if the A's lose a wildcard playoff game after making all those big moves.
News & notes
The Dodgers have shuffled their rotation due to Zack Greinke's sore elbow, with Clayton Kershaw now pitching tonight, and Greinke penciled in for Saturday. This probably means that Greinke's issue isn't serious.
Cubs SS Starlin Castro has been placed on the bereavement list after returning to the Dominican Republic due to the death of some friends and family members. Castro's absence will last somewhere between three and seven days, and rookie Javier Baez will shift to shortstop in his place.
Giants C Buster Posey missed Wednesday's game with "tightness" in his left hip, but it doesn't sound serious.
Kevin Quackenbush got Wednesday's save for the Padres because Joaquin Benoit is dealing with a "cranky" shoulder. According to the Padres' website, the team is "still considering placing Benoit on the disabled list but is holding out hope he won't need it."
In other Padres' news, OF Cameron Maybin is back from a drug suspension, but might not play much due to the Padres' crowded outfield.
Jeurys Familia got a five-out save for the Mets on Wednesday due to Jenrry Mejia being unavailable. Mejia is dealing with back issues and a hernia, and hasn't pitched well lately. If you're looking to speculate on some September saves, Familia (0.7 percent owned) would be near the top of the list of possibilities.
Jose Veras got Wednesday's save for the Astros with Chad Qualls unavailable due to back stiffness. Don't read too much into this one.
Yankees OF Carlos Beltran got a cortisone shot in his troublesome right elbow, and hopes to be back in the lineup Friday.
Royals C Salvador Perez (knee) missed another game Wednesday, and will have an MRI today.
Indians 1B Nick Swisher had season-ending double knee surgery on Wednesday. Ouch.
Wil Myers was hitless in his return to the Rays' lineup on Wednesday. Myers hit two home runs in a seven-game rehab assignment, and is owned in 43.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. He could offer you some cheap power down the stretch.
Red Sox 1B Mike Napoli missed Wednesday's game due to back spasms, and is day to day.
Streaming starters
Nate Eovaldi wasn't so good on Wednesday, so we're down to 77-50 for the season. Today's pick is Brandon McCarthy (33.2 percent owned) against the Astros, while Friday's selection is Marcus Stroman (30.5 percent owned) versus the Rays.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
