MASN, the Nationals-Orioles joint cable TV network, will be without two of its marquee attractions for awhile. Nats OF Bryce Harper has been placed on the DL with a thumb injury, and there are worries that he has ligament damage that will result in a six-to-eight week absence. However, it might be just swelling, and we should know more details in a day or two. Keep your fingers crossed if you own Harper, and look for Nate McLouth to get most of the starts in his absence.
Orioles 1B Chris Davis is on the DL with an oblique injury. I've joked here previously that the word oblique is French for "four to six weeks," but we don't yet know how Davis' recovery will go. Expect him to be out for a month, and hope for less.
Potential replacements for Harper include Eric Young (owned in 10.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) if you'd like speed, and Chris Carter (5.2 percent owned) if you can use the power. Carter also has the 1B eligibility required to replace Davis, and Adam Dunn (11.3 percent owned) is widely available as well. If you're in an AL- or NL-only league and need to dig a little deeper, send me a tweet (@jhalpin37) and I'll be happy to help.
On to the rest of the news:
Collin McHugh had another terrific start for the Astros on Sunday, but I'm still not buying outside of AL-only leagues.
The Cardinals have sent rookie 2B Kolten Wong to the minors. He'll be back, but you should move on in shallow redraft leagues.
Streaming starters: Jose Quintana wasn't so great on Thursday, Rick Porcello got a win on Friday, Dan Straily was solid on Saturday, and Dillon Gee dominated the Marlins on Sunday. We're up to 17-10 for the season.
Today's streaming pick is Tyson Ross (34.7 percent owned) at San Francisco, while Tuesday's selection is Mets' lefty Jonathon Niese (3.8 percent owned) at Philly.
It's been a nice month so far, hasn't it, Jose Abreu owners?
Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez is day-to-day with a bruised right thumb. Teammate Clayton Kershaw is expected to make one more rehab start this week before coming off the DL.
Padres OF Cameron Maybin (0.2 percent owned) came off the DL on Sunday. I'd like to own him in a 12-team mixed league, or anything deeper.
Closer alert! With Jason Grilli (oblique) on the DL for the Pirates - along with teammate Russell Martin (hamstring) - Mark Melancon (19 percent owned) will close games in Pittsburgh for at least a week.
Brewers Ryan Braun (intercostal strain) and Jean Segura (cut under eye after getting hit by Braun's bat) are both day-to-day. You might want to bench both in weekly leagues.
Devin Mesoraco is on the DL again? Too bad, but he isn't expected to miss much time.
Nationals SP Doug Fister had a solid rehab start on Sunday. After one more, he could be back with the Nats next week.
Hmm ... it sounds like the Blue Jays might be getting ready to call up pitching prospect Marcus Stroman. AL-only owners should keep an eye on Stroman's status, as he could be useful right away.
Nice bounceback start for Danny Salazar on Sunday. Let's hope he keeps it up.
Tigers SP Anibal Sanchez is on the DL with a blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.
Rangers OF Shin-Soo Choo (ankle) hasn't played in five days, but the Rangers are still trying to avoid a DL stint.
Rockies C Wilin Rosario will have an MRI today on the sore hand that kept him on the bench Sunday.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
