White Sox ace Chris Sale, who has been out since April 17 with a flexor tendon strain in his pitching arm, will return to the mound tonight against the Yankees. Manager Robin Ventura said Wednesday that Sale will be allowed to surpass 100 pitches, so there's no need to worry about an artifically-abbreviated outing. Start Sale if you have him.
On to the rest of the news:
A less heralded fantasy ace - Tampa Bay's Alex Cobb - returns today after being out since April 12 with an oblique strain. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Cobb will be on a limit of 90-100 pitches.
In other White Sox news, RP Matt Lindstrom needs ankle surgery that will keep him out for at least three months. Ronald Belisario (owned in 0.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) is the closer, at least until/if he flops.
Streaming starters: Phil Huuuuuuuuuuuuughes (!!!) was terrific again last night, so we're up to 32-19 for the season. Today's pick is Jon Niese (21 percent owned) versus the Dodgers, while Friday's selection is Padres' lefty Robbie Erlin (1.5 percent owned) against the Cubs.
The Reds have activated OF Jay Bruce from the DL, but put 1B Joey Votto (knee) on it. Votto's move is retroactive to May 16, so his DL stint could be brief.
Prince Fielder's back issues are starting to sound worrisome. He might land on the DL, one Dallas columnist thinks he might need surgery ... ugh.
Giants SP Matt Cain left last night's start with a hamstring injury, and could be headed for the DL.
Remember the spring competition for the Dodgers' second-base job? Here's an update: Dee Gordon, who won the position, is batting .296 with 25 stolen bases. Alex Guerrero, who lost it and was sent to Triple A, had part of his ear bitten off by teammate Miguel Olivo during a dugout fight on Tuesday. Big advantage for Gordon, right?
Astros OF George Springer left Wednesday's game with a hip flexor strain. It doesn't sound serious, but I wonder if they'll give him tonight off.
Cardinals SP Michael Wacha left Wednesday's game after getting hit in the elbow by a foul ball while sitting in the dugout. It doesn't sound serious, but Wacha's status for his next start is TBD.
Angels OF Mike Trout sat last night to rest his sore hamstring. The Angels are off today, and Trout expects to play on Friday. In other Angels' news, OF Kole Calhoun was activated from the DL on Wednesday.
Either Brandon Workman or Allen Webster is expected to replace Felix Doubront (shoulder) in the Red Sox rotation. Neither option should excite fantasy owners.
Brewers SP Yovani Gallardo (ankle) might be forced to skip his Sunday start, but a DL stint isn't in the cards yet.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
