A few big NL names went on the DL over the weekend. The Brewers waited a week for Ryan Braun's strained ribcage to get better, but when things hadn't improved by Saturday, they placed their star outfielder on the disabled list. The transaction was backdated to April 27, meaning that Braun could return to the lineup as soon as next Tuesday. Look for Logan Schafer to get plenty of at bats while Braun is out.
Matt Cain's lacerated finger hasn't improved as quickly as the Giants hoped, so Cain was placed on the DL. This is another situation on which the moved was backdated, and the Giants are hoping that Cain can take his next turn against the Dodgers on Saturday. Keeping Cain active this week wouldn't be the dumbest thing a fantasy owner ever does, as he appears likely to make the Saturday start. Yusemiro Petit will start in Cain's place tonight.
Let's save the worst of the injured trio for last: Reds OF Jay Bruce is expected to have knee surgery and miss 3-4 weeks. Look for Chris Heisey to get more playing time while Bruce is out.
On to the rest of the news:
In better news from Cincinnati, the Reds are targeting Friday as Aroldis Chapman's activation date.
Reminder: Clayton Kershaw is expected to come off the DL to start Tuesday at Washington. Start him if you've got him.
Streaming starters: Mike Leake was pretty good in a loss on Friday, Dallas Keuchel didn't get it done on Saturday, and neither did Edinson Volquez on Sunday; we're now at 21-13 for the season. Today's pick is Jose Quintana (owned in 14.9 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Cubs at Wrigley, while Tuesday's selection is San Diego's soon-to-improve Robbie Erlin (0.6 percent owned) versus the Royals. Erlin's ERA is 5.83, but his strong K/BB ratio and bad-luck BABIP suggest that better days are ahead.
Rockies C Wilin Rosario is on the DL with a viral infection.
The Blue Jays have called up pitching prospect Marcus Stroman, but will use him as a reliever for now. Stroman pitched just 111 2/3 innings last season, so this is a way for the Jays to limit his innings. That's probably good for Stroman's long-term health, but bad for his 2014 fantasy baseball value.
The Blue Jays have gone to a closer committee, which means that Sergio Santos is OUT, and the trio of Steve Delabar/Aaron Loup/Brett Cecil is IN. This probably doesn't mean much, as Casey Janssen is likely to come off the DL sometime over the next two weeks.
In other closer news, Angels' manager Mike Scioscia is apparently thinking about moving Ernesto Frieri back into the role. Frieri is owned in just 40 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, so get him while you still can.
White Sox OF Adam Eaton (hamstring) is on the DL, while teammate Nate Jones is scheduled for back surgery that - while not season-ending - will keep him from closing games for all my fantasy teams. In other White Sox news, SP Chris Sale will throw a bullpen session today, and after that ... we'll see.
Nationals SP Doug Fister is tentatively scheduled to come off the DL and make his 2014 debut on Friday.
Dodgers OF Yasiel Puig is day-to-day after running into the outfield fence in Miami on Sunday. He passed a concussion test.
Trevor Bauer had another strong Triple-A start on Saturday. Tick, tick, tick ...
Twins 1B Joe Mauer is day-to-day with back spasms; he might play tonight.
Astros SP Scott Feldman (shoulder) is targeting a Friday return from the DL.
A's OF Josh Reddick is day-to-day with a sprained ankle.
The Mariners have sent OF Abraham Almonte to the minors, so Michael Saunders has regained some fantasy relevance. Not a lot, but some. AL-only relevance, for sure.
Braves SP Ervin Santana will miss a start due to a bruised right hand, but it doesn't sound serious. Gavin Floyd will start in Santana's place.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
