We can't have nice things any more, huh? Marlins' ace Jose Fernandez is on the DL due to an elbow injury, and many sources are reporting that - after returning to Florida to get examined by the Marlins' team doctor - he'll have season-ending Tommy John surgery. The team's website says that "chances are (Fernandez) has thrown his final pitch of the 2014 season," while the Sun-Sentinel reports that Fernandez "will likely miss the rest of the 2014 season."
UPDATE: Fernandez does have a torn UCL and surgery is recommended - will go for second opinion (CBS)
Fernandez owners need to move on, but with whom? Ian Kennedy is owned in just 41.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and his early-season turnaround seems legit. Digging a little deeper, what about Brandon McCarthy, who's owned in 1.8 percent of leagues? McCarthy's unsightly 5.66 ERA seems padded by some bad luck, and he's got 45 strikeouts against just 10 walks in 47 2/3 innings. Beyond those guys, you can always visit this blog for streaming suggestions, or send me a tweet (@jhalpin37) letting me know what your options are.
On to the rest of the news:
Yankees OF Carlos Beltran left Monday's game with a hyperextended right elbow, and his prognosis is TBD. Teammate CC Sabathia, who is already on the DL, will get a second opinion on his injured knee. I think I'm a little worried. Who knew a team with a bunch of old guys would be beset with injuries?
Streaming starters: Colby Lewis tossed five-and-two-thirds shutout innings against the Astros on Monday, so we're up to 25-17 for the season. Tonight's pick is Mike Leake (17.5 percent owned) versus the Padres, while Wednesday's selection is the aforementioned Mr. McCarthy against the Nats.
Jim Johnson got a save opportunity for the A's last night. He came in with a runner on base in the ninth inning (in relief of Fernando Abad), gave up a couple of hits ... and was replaced by lefty Sean Doolittle, who closed out the game with a sac fly and a couple of strikeouts. This situation sure didn't help us figure out anything.
Alex Cobb is targeting a May 22 return to the Rays' rotation.
Look for Padres OF Carlos Quentin (knee) to be activated from the DL today. The Pads have a lot of outfielders, so there could be some lineup shuffling.
Blue Jays OF Colby Rasmus left Monday's game with a hamstring injury, and is probably headed for the DL.
The Mets have promoted Rafael Montero to replace Jenrry Mejia in their rotation. The 23-year-old Montero is more a command/control type than a stuff guy, but he's not worthy of mixed-league consideration just yet.
White Sox ace Chris Sale will throw in a minor-league rehab outing on Thursday.
A's OF Coco Crisp has missed five straight games due to a neck strain. The team's website reports that Crisp might be held out until Friday.
With Jayson Nix on his way to Triple A and Freddy Galvis out due to a broken collarbone, nobody is going to mess with Phillies 3B Cody Asche's playing time for awhile. Asche is owned in 1.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and I'm a fan.
The Brewers are expecting Ryan Braun to come off the DL tonight, but remember that teammate Carlos Gomez is still awaiting word on the appeal of his three-game suspension. A decision could come at any time, so keep your eyes and ears open if you own Gomez.
So, Shelby Miller wants to focus better and fix his mechanics. That's nice to hear. I wonder if "throw some ****ing strikes" is on his to-do list.
Look for Dodgers' catcher A.J. Ellis (knee) to be activated from the DL sometime over the next few days.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
