Major League Baseball

MLB Quick Hits: Snakebit Brewers lose Lucroy

Published Apr. 21, 2015 7:06 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

Bad week for catchers, eh? On Sunday, Travis d'Arnaud went on the DL with a broken hand (he'll wear a splint for three weeks). Then on Monday, Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy broke his toe, and the length of his DL stint is TBD. We mentioned Mets' prospect Kevin Plawecki yesterday as a possible pickup, but other widely available options are Yasmani Grandal (owned in 32.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues), Miguel Montero (18.3 percent owned), Cleveland's Roberto Perez (4.3 percent owned), or - if you're desperate in an NL-only league - Lucroy's real-life replacement, Martin Maldonado (0.1 percent owned).

In other bad Brewers' news, 2B Scooter Gennett cut his hand in the shower on Sunday, requiring five stiches and a possible DL stint. The team is already without CF Carlos Gomez, and they can't hit a lick right now. Stream starters against the Brew Crew whenever you can ... except maybe tonight with Jason Marquis.

In other news ...

The Cubs are calling up another blue-chipper, as Addison Russell is expected to debut tonight against the Pirates. Russell is a highly-regarded shortstop who was ranked as Baseball America's No. 3 overall prospect this season, but he's recently made a transition to second base as the Cubs are still waiting for Javier Baez and can't stand to watch Arismendy Alcantara anymore. The 21-year-old Russell has a very bright future, but he might be a better real player than fantasy player, and probably isn't ready to make a huge impact with his bat. I'd probably pass in a 12-team mixed redraft league, but in deeper formats Russell is worth your consideration.

Reds C Devin Mesoraco wasn't with the team last night, and that was due to either personal reasons or a hip injury that might land him on the DL with countless other catchers. Here's a link to the f****** audio of manager Bryan Price's f****** explanation of Mesoraco's f****** absence.

Indians closer Cody Allen blew a save on Monday. Allen has allowed four runs in two of his five appearances, and has walked six batters in four innings. His job isn't in jeopardy yet, but if you could take a long-term flier on Zach McAllister in an AL-only league, I'd do it now. Yes, ahead of Bryan Shaw and Scott Atchison.

Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado was scratched Monday due to a sore left wrist, and is day-to-day. Teammate Corey Dickerson left Monday's game because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and let's hope his issue is as minor as manager Walt Weiss says it is.

Tigers closer Joe Nathan (elbow) could be ready to come off the DL later this week, but manager Brad Ausmus might not be locked into returning him to the closer's role. Stay tuned.

A's SP Jesse Hahn has been scratched from his Thursday start due to a blister on his right middle finger. Jesse Chavez will start in Hahn's place.

Did any smart DFS players start inexpensive Astros 3B Luis Valubena last night? I thought about it, but decided to pay up for Miguel Cabrera instead. Good on you if you got Valbuena's two home runs. Valbuena can't hit lefties, but had an .811 OPS against righthanders last season.

Rays RP Jake McGee (elbow) will reportedly begin a rehab assignment this week. The bet here is that he'll get his closer job back from Brad Boxberger.

Reds SP Anthony DeSclafani was a studly streaming starter pick on Monday, and should be owned in all formats at this point. Today's pick is Arizona's Chase Anderson (0.5 percent owned, $5,500 on DraftKings) against the struggling Rangers. Anderson has whiffed 11 batters in 11 innings over two starts, while the Rangers rank 22nd in the majors with a .293 OPS.

Two more Tuesday #DFS value plays are Orioles 1B Steve Pearce ($4,200 on DK) and Braves 3B Chris Johnson ($3,300), who both mash lefthanded pitchers. Pearce had an 1.109 OPS in 111 plate appearances vs. southpaws last season.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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