The Twins have signed free-agent 1B Kendrys Morales, who batted .277 with 23 home runs last season for the Mariners. Morales didn't find a job during the offseason and hasn't played anywhere since last year, but he was active and in uniform on Sunday. Presumably, he'll be a regular part of the Twins' lineup very shortly as the DH.
Assuming that Morales close to being in baseball shape, we should probably expect numbers similar to his past performances, which means close to 15 home runs over the rest of the season, and a BA in the .270s. Target Field isn't exactly homer-friendly - especially for lefthanded hitters (Morales bats from both sides) - but neither were his previous homes. Morales is owned in 27.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and while I wouldn't kill to get him in a 12-team mixed league, he's worthy of a roster spot in all formats.
On to the rest of the news:
The Pirates have placed SP Gerrit Cole on the DL with shoulder fatigue, but say there's no structural damage. Let's hope they're right.
Rangers 1B Mitch Moreland is expected to miss three months following ankle surgery, because he's a Ranger, and all Rangers get hurt. Donnie Murphy started at first base on Sunday, because the Rangers don't have anyone else left. AL-only power/speed possibility Jim Adduci could be in the mix sometime during the next week, but he's dealing with a finger injury. Adduci had 16 homers with 32 stolen bases at Triple A last season, but he's a 29-year-old non-prospect, so don't get too excited about those numbers.
See what we mean about Rangers' injuries? 2B Rougned Odor left Sunday's game with a shoulder sprain, and is day to day.
Rough weekend for our streaming starters: Brandon McCarthy wasn't quite good enough on Friday, Danny Duffy was mediocre on Saturday, and Jose Quintana didn't get it done on Sunday, so we're down to 40-28 for the season. Today's pick is Charlie Morton (6 percent owned) versus the Cubs, while Tuesday's selection is the improving John Danks (1.7 percent owned) against the Tigers.
Speaking of the Tigers, 1B Miguel Cabrera left Sunday's game with a tight hamstring, and his status for tonight is TBD.
The Mets have sent C Travis d'Arnaud and his .180 BA to the minors.
The Orioles called up Kevin Gausman to start on Saturday, and he allowed one run over seven innings. Gausman is a big-time prospect, and when he figures it out, he should be pretty good. I'd take a shot in a deep mixed league.
Joba Chamberlain sucked me into his vortex of fantasy misery again, didn't he? I had him as an AL-only safety net for Joe Nathan. $#@!
Orioles 3B Manny Machado will probably gets suspended for throwing - er, losing control of - his bat on Sunday. If he appeals, then your guess at the timetable will be as good as mine.
Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon sat Saturday and Sunday due to a sore thumb, and he's still day to day.
Reds 1B Joey Votto (quad) began a rehab assignment on Sunday, and could be back any day.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
