You know how we always seem to lead off this blog with bad news - injuries, suspensions, that kind of thing? Not today! Orioles 3B Manny Machado is expected to be in the lineup tonight for the first time since undergoing knee surgery in October. If you've been waiting on Machado, get him in there.
On to the rest of the news:
The Indians must be crossing their fingers about 2B Jason Kipnis, who left Tuesday's game with an abdominal strain. We'll know more today, and even though the team is hoping that the injury was more of a cramp than something worse, start scouting some potential replacements if you own Kipnis. The steady Omar Infante is owned in just 14.6 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, while Kelly Johnson (10.7 percent owned) could provide some pop. Mike Aviles and/or Elliot Johnson figure to be Kipnis' real-life replacements if a DL stint is necessary.
Giants SP Matt Cain was scratched from his Tuesday start after cutting his right index finger, but he expects to be fine for his next start. Cain's injury was suffered when he dropped a knife while making a pre-game sandwich, and tried to catch it. If I owned a team, cutlery would be banned from my clubhouse.
Look for Braves SP Mike Minor (shoulder) to make his 2014 debut on Friday.
The Mariners might activate SP Hisashi Iwakuma to start on Friday.
The Indians demoted Carlos Carrasco to the bullpen. See you next week, Trevor Bauer!
Streaming starters: Jonathon Niese was terrific last night, raising our record to 18-11 for the season. Today's pick is Nathan Eovaldi (25.5 percent owned) against the Braves, while Thursday's selection is Baltimore's Bud Norris (1.3 percent owned) versus the Pirates. Norris is the best of a limited bunch on Thursday, and should only be used in case of emergency.
So much for Michael Pineda coming back soon from his suspension; he'll miss 3-4 weeks due to a back strain, which happens to be similar to the one that has sidelined Clayton Kershaw for a month.
K-Rod has 13 saves ... just as we expected a month ago, right?
Look for Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko (paternity leave) to return to the lineup tonight.
Been waiting for D-backs' pitching prospect Archie Bradley? He's on the DL with an elbow strain, but it doesn't sound serious.
A's SP A.J. Griffin is done for the season with an elbow injury.
Rockies SP Tyler Chatwood left Tuesday's game with elbow tightness, and his status is TBD.
Here's an article about the Cubs' closer committee. It's somewhat informative, but it doesn't help us figure out how to choose between Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon for saves.
Speaking of closers, Aroldis Chapman is tentatively scheduled to begin a rehab assignment on Thursday.
One of my outfield sleepers, Peter Bourjos, is spending lots of time on the Cardinals' bench.
Jacob Turner (shoulder) will come off the DL to start for the Marlins on Saturday. Yippee?
Astros SP Scott Feldman (bicep) might also come off the DL on Saturday.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
