Major League Baseball

Waino's elbow

Published Jun. 12, 2014 6:50 a.m. ET

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John Halpin

Did you panic when you saw the words "Adam Wainwright," "elbow" and "MRI" on your computer screen yesterday? If so, it sounds like you don't need to worry too much. The Cardinals say that Wainwright's ligaments are fine, and he received an injection to deal with "irritation" in the elbow, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Wainwright might be able to make his next scheduled start on Monday, but it's also possible that a DL stint is in his near future. Either way, it sounds like the worst-case scenario (TJ surgery) isn't going to happen. That's good news, right?

On to the rest of the news:

Nationals C Wilson Ramos (hamstring) is on the DL again. He should be back in 15 days.

Rockies OF Carlos Gonzalez had a tumor removed from his left index finger; the team's trainer described it as a "fatty mass with tentacles." The Rox seem to think that CarGo will be back in about five weeks.

Dodgers SS Hanley Ramirez was scratched Wednesday due to a sore shoulder. Manager Don Mattingly said, "It sounds like he could have a tough time playing tomorrow, but ... we'll see in the morning."

Streaming starters: Marcus Stroman was just OK on Wednesday, so we're down to 41-29 for the season. Today's pick is Seattle lefty Roenis Elias (owned in 24.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Yankees, while Friday's selection is my pal Jose Quintana (12.1 percent owned) versus the Royals. Elias has whiffed at least five batters in 10 of his last 11 starts.

Grant Balfour got a seven-out save for the Rays on Wednesday. Yes, I'm as confused as you are. Juan Carlos Oviedo came into the game in the sixth inning, which certainly suggests that he doesn't have an inside track on saves.

Astros 2B Jose Altuve (oblique) sat out on Wednesday, but should be back in the lineup tomorrow.

As expected, the Pirates placed SP Francisco Liriano (oblique) on the DL. Teammate Josh Harrison is day to day with a sore ankle.

Kendrys Morales' arrival made playing time a challenge for Twins backup C Josmil Pinto, so Pinto has been sent to the minors. SS Brian Dozier left Tuesday's game due to back tightness, and he hopes to be in the lineup on Friday.

The Mariners placed 1B Justin Smoak (quad) on the DL, and activated Logan Morrison. LoMo played first base and batted fifth last night.

Rangers RP Tanner Scheppers is back on the DL with elbow inflammation. In other Rangers' news, Brad Snyder has been called up to be the regular first baseman. The 32-year-old Snyder has 18 home runs at Triple A, and while his super-high K rate is likely to result in a low batting average, he could be a decent source of power. Jump on him now in AL-only leagues.

Nice MLB debut from Rockies SP Tyler Matzek. Did anyone bet on Matzek having zero walks? If so, you probably collected a billion dollars.

Look for Red Sox 3B Will Middlebrooks and OF Shane Victorino to begin rehab assignments this weekend. Xander Bogaerts' solid play will make playing time hard to come by for Middlebrooks.

Justin Verlander ... still not good.

You know what I liked about Yordano Ventura's start last night? Twelve groundouts, two flyouts.

It's possible that Marlins SP Nate Eovaldi will miss his Friday start, as his wife could go into labor at any time. In other paternity leave news, A's 3B Alberto Callaspo is expected to miss this weekend's series against the Yankees due to the birth of his third child.

Look for the Cardinals to activate 1B Matt Adams (calf) on Friday. It's possible that Oscar Taveras will get sent back to Triple A as a corresponding move.

See you back here tomorrow morning.

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