Operation shutdown: Wright done for season, Pedroia could be next
It's that time of year, folks. You wake up in the morning, check your favorite blog, and say, "What? My fantasy third baseman isn't going to play any more?" Mets 3B David Wright, who has been bothered by shoulder inflammation for much of the season, has been shut down for the remainder of 2014. On Tuesday night, the Mets discussed the possibility of shifting Daniel Murphy to third base for the rest of the season, and letting rookie Dilson Herrera get everyday at bats at second base. Herrera has hit decently (.777 OPS) in 10 games since his callup, and appears to have decent power and speed, but he's only 20 years old, so don't expect too much. I'd avoid him in most mixed leagues.
Tuesday's studs & duds
Stud: Orioles OF Alejandro De Aza had two home runs and three RBI against the Red Sox.
Stud: Josh Donaldson's five hits and four RBI deserve a mention here, right?
Stud: Our Tuesday streaming selection, Jacob deGrom, threw eight scoreless innings against the Rockies, allowing three hits and striking out nine batters.
Stud: Giants SP Yusemiro Petit was almost as good as deGrom, allowing one run and striking out nine in a complete-game win over the D-backs.
Dud: Yankees SP Hiroki Kuroda allowed four runs on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings versus the Rays. Hey, fellow Yankee fans: Did you know that the Mets are now as close to a wildcard spot (5.5 games) as the Yankees? Ugh.
News & notes
The Red Sox will reportedly decide today if 2B Dustin Pedroia's season is over. Pedroia has been bothered all season by a left wrist injury that figures to require surgery.
Brewers OF Ryan Braun missed Tuesday's game due to a hand injury, and hopes to play tonight.
The Royals didn't need closer Greg Holland (triceps) on Tuesday, and that's good because he wasn't available. "He's getting real close," said manager Ned Yost. Maybe tonight, folks.
Nationals SS Ian Desmond left Tuesday's game because of lower back tightness, but expects to play this afternoon. In other Nats' news, Drew Storen saved his third game in a row on Tuesday, so you can probably expect him to get today off even if an opportunity arises. Tyler Clippard is a possibility if the Nats have a ninth-inning lead.
With closer Chad Qualls day to day because of a glute injury, Josh Fields got Tuesday's save for the Astros. Don't look for Fields to keep the job unless Qualls' situation deteriorates.
Mets closer Jenrry Mejia was removed from Tuesday's game after facing four Rockies, and allowing two hits and a walk. Josh Edgin and Jeurys Familia closed things out. Mejia has struggled in his last two outings, and with his nagging hernia issue, he remains a candidate to be shut down early. Familia would be Mejia's likely successor.
Braves C Evan Gattis hasn't played since Sunday due to strep throat, and won't be back until Friday at the earliest.
The Orioles hope to get SS J.J. Hardy back in the lineup on Friday. Hardy had a cortisone injection in his sore back, but an MRI showed no structural damage.
Angels OF Josh Hamilton has missed five straight games due to a sore shoulder, and manager Mike Scioscia says it's not getting any better.
Giants OF Michael Morse (oblique) is a "maybe" for this weekend's series against the Dodgers, according to manager Bruce Bochy.
Look for Mariners OF Dustin Ackley (ankle) to miss another game or two. Tha Mariners are off on Thursday.
Streaming starters
deGrom's excellent outing raised our record to 93-54 for the season. Today's pick is Vance Worley (owned in 7.8 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) at Philadelphia, and Thursday's selection is Bartolo Colon (25.6 percent owned) versus the Nats.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
