Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: Astros promote SS Correa

Published Jun. 8, 2015 5:47 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

As prospect promotions go, this one ranks right up there with Kris Bryant. The Astros have called up SS Carlos Correa, who is owned in 21.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues and ready to make an impact. Correa batted .335 with 10 home runs and 18 stolen bases in the minors this season, and even though he struggled a bit after arriving at Triple A on May 11, it was more like lack of presumed domination (.783 OPS in 23 games) than what most players would describe as a struggle. 

The usual caveats apply here: Correa is only 20 years old, so bumps in the road are likely. However, there's a lot to like here, even in the short term. He has power and speed, he displays good plate discipline, and he doesn't strike out a lot. After Troy Tulowitzki, Hanley Ramirez, Jhonny Peralta, Jose Reyes and I guess Brandon Crawford, who else would you take over Correa for the rest of 2015? Possibly Jean Segura. Maybe Jung Ho Kang. You could argue for Starlin Castro or Ian Desmond if you'd like, too. But Correa is clearly rosterable, and should be helpful, in all formats.

In other news ...

Kevin Jepsen saved two games for the Rays over the weekend, but regular closer Brad Boxberger (triceps) says he's "100 percent certain" that he'll be ready to return by Tuesday. 

In Cubs news, minor-league 2B Javier Baez is expected to miss 4-8 weeks with a broken left ring finger, and the team's closer situation is unsettled after Jason Motte saved Sunday's game. Motte is owned in 0.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, while Pedro Strop is 1.3 percent owned. Hector Rondon's owners shouldn't cut bait yet, as there's no clear favorite in this committee. If I had to bet on one, it would still be Rondon.

Look for Mets C Travis d'Arnaud to come off the DL this week, possibly as soon as Tuesday. If you have to set a weekly lineup today, keeping d'Arnaud benched is probably your safest option.

Giants OF Hunter Pence didn't play all weekend due to a wrist injury, but should be OK to play on Tuesday.

You can ask me about today's MLB Draft, but right now you probably know as much about the players as I do.

Blue Jays 1B Edwin Encarnacion (shoulder) hopes to return to the lineup tonight. 

Devin Mesoraco starts a rehab assignment today, and could be playing left field for the Reds by the weekend. Remember that while Mesoraco might display an unprecedented level of outfield butchery, he's still eligible at catcher and can probably still hit.

The Indians have sent SS Jose Ramirez and 3B Lonnie Chisenhall to the minors. Cleveland.com suggests that Mike Aviles will get most of the playing time at shortstop, with a Zach Walters/Giovanny Urshela timeshare at third base. Walters has good power for an infielder, so AL-only owners should take a close look.

Padres OF/1B Wil Myers started a rehab assignment on Sunday, and the team's website says he "could rejoin the team later in the week."

The Twins have sent struggling SS Danny Santana to the minors, and will let the weak-hitting Eduardo Escobar start in his place. The Twins also recalled Kennys Vargas from Triple A, and he figures to be the regular DH.

Streaming starter weekend review: Wade Miley was very good on Friday, Chase Anderson looked strong on Saturday, and Mike Pelfrey dominated the Brewers on Sunday. We'll take weekends like that, right? Today's pick is the very mediocre Marco Estrada (6 percent owned) at home versus the unimpressive Marlins. There are only eight games on the schedule, and the pickings are slim.

DFS advice (based on 50/50 games, salaries from DraftKings): Chris Sale ($11,400) and A.J. Burnett ($9.500) look like the strongest SP plays, with Estrada ($5,500) being the best bargain option ... If you're a stacker, the righthanded Blue Jays against Miami lefty Brad Hand seem almost too good to be true. Jose Bautista ($5,400) Josh Donaldson ($5,300), Jose Reyes ($4,900) and Russell Martin ($4,300) are expensive, with C Dioner Navarro ($4,000) not far behind. Chris Colabello ($3,600) is the best value option, and 3B/OF Danny Valencia ($3,200) isn't bad, either ... D-backs SP Rubby De La Rosa gets crushed by lefthanded hitters (.423 wOBA this season), so Adrian Gonzalez ($4,900) and and a very reasonably priced Joc Pederson ($4.400) look good, as do Yasmani Grandal ($3,900) and Jimmy Rollins ($3,700) to a lesser extent ... Miami's Justin Bour ($3,100) can save you cash at first base; it's not like I said Estrada would dominate, right? ... So, Jose Altuve kills LHP, but tonight's opponent is Sale. Is Altuve too good to pass up at $3,900? I say yes ... If you need to save a bit at third base, do it with Trevor Plouffe ($3,700) vs. LHP Jason Vargas ... Those hunting for a cheap Coors Field player should wait to see who starts at first base for the Rockies between Wilin Rosario ($3,500) and Ben Paulsen ($3,300).

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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