First, the bad news: Royals SP Yordano Ventura left Monday's game with elbow discomfort. Ventura called it "uncomfortable, not natural, (with) a little bit of pain," according to the Kansas City Star. Ventura will have an MRI today.
Now, the better news: The Star and the Royals' website note that the discomfort was diagnosed on the lateral, or outer, side of Ventura's elbow, while the inside part of the joint houses the ulnar collateral ligament involved in Tommy John surgery. Manager Ned Yost said the team's training staff assured him Ventura's injury isn't to the UCL. Here's Yost: ""I'm not concerned it's a ligament injury. The trainers were right on it, and they came two minutes later and said it's the outside of the elbow, and that's where my concern dropped way off."
Expect a DL stint for Ventura, but don't expect the worst, no matter how much you've been conditioned this season to do so. We should learn more later today.
On to the rest of the news:
Josh Hamilton's injured thumb has a new bruise, but the team is calling it a minor setback in his injury rehab. Hamilton says he expects to take BP by Wednesday, and resume his rehab within a few days. We might see him back next week.
Indians C/3B Carlos Santana was scratched from Monday's game due to concussion-like symptoms, and he's day to day. 1B Nick Swisher is also day to day with a knee injury that caused him to leave Monday's game. 2B Jason Kipnis is scheduled to return from the DL on Wednesday, but cleveland.com suggests Kipnis' status could change if the Indians don't have enough healthy players tonight.
Astros OF George Springer went 4-for-4 with a homer, three RBI and five runs scored last night. Springer is batting .325 with eight home runs in May, and is owned in just 36.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Wake up, people!
The Royals got 2B Omar Infante back from the DL last night.
Streaming starters: Brandon McCarthy wasn't so great last night, so we're down to 35-21 for the season. Today's pick is Jon Niese (26.3 percent owned) versus the Pirates, while Wednesday's selection is Pirates' ground-ball machine Charlie Morton (2.2 percent owned) against the weak-hitting Mets at CitiField.
Clay Buchholz appears to be in danger of losing his rotation spot with the Red Sox. If Buchholz and his 7.02 ERA are still in your fantasy rotation, you're probably having some pitching issues.
Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis sprained his ankle while celebrating Josh Beckett's no-hitter, and is on the DL. Teammate Matt Kemp hasn't played in four days, and appears to be a platoon left fielder at the moment. Ouch.
Yankees 1B Mark Teixeira sat out Monday due to stiffness in his previously injured right wrist. He's day to day.
The Blue Jays hope that OF Colby Rasmus (hamstring) will be ready to come off the DL early next week.
Aaron Hicks, who has made Twins' management unhappy due to his work habits, told them on Monday that he will no longer bat lefthanded. No warning, no minor-league adjustment - nothing. The Twins can't send Hicks down, because they're a bit shorthanded. This isn't going to end well.
OF Robbie Grossman is back with the Astros. They'll probably let him play if he hits, and it's not like Alex Presley presents a big playing-time roadblock. Take a look, AL-only owners.
Mariners SP James Paxton experienced some shoulder soreness following his first minor-league rehab start. Stay tuned and be patient if you own Paxton.
OF Michael Choice appears to have an everyday role with the Rangers. Choice has been struggling, but could offer decent power if your league is deep.
Brewers 3B Aramis Ramirez (hamstring) is getting close to a return from the DL.
I'll be in the FOXSports.com fantasy chat room tonight at 8 p.m. ET. Stop by if you can.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
