TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Fantasy Baseball Tip Sheet - Aug. 22

ADVERTISEMENT

By James LoPresti / The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 22, 2008

INJURY REPORT

George Sherrill, RP (Orioles) - The Orioles placed Sherrill on the 15-day disabled list after an MRI revealed left shoulder inflammation. The tests revealed no structural damage, but expect Sherrill to miss the end of this month and the first week or two in September. Look for setup man Jim Johnson to take over as closer until Sherrill returns. Johnson should be owned in all leagues for the time being.

Billy Wagner, RP (Mets) - Wagner will miss the next three weeks because of complications in his recovery program. He had hoped to return this week, but an MRI revealed additional inflammation in his pitching elbow, a day after he felt discomfort throwing a simulated game. The Mets will likely use a committee to close, with Aaron Heilman getting the most opportunities, until Wagner is able to return. The Mets could also turn to recently acquired pitchers Luis Ayala or Al Reyes if Heilman continues to struggle.

Justin Duchscherer, SP/RP (Athletics) - Duchscherer's

X-rays on his injured right hip revealed no serious damage, but as a precautionary measure, he will miss his next scheduled start. Duchscherer had surgery on his hip last year, causing him to miss most of the 2007 season, so it's likely he will be extra cautious the next few starts, not wanting to aggravate the injury.

WAIVER-WIRE BARGAINS

Chris Dickerson, OF (Reds) - In 32 at-bats since being called up from Triple-A Louisville, Dickerson is hitting a cool .344 with a home run and two stolen bases. Thanks to the Adam Dunn trade to the Diamondbacks, Dickerson will be receiving full playing time for the rest of the year. Expect him to finish the season with a sub-.300 average, about five home runs and at least 10 stolen bases.

Hideki Matsui, OF (Yankees) - The Yankees welcomed back Matsui on Tuesday after he missed the past two months with a knee injury. He will most likely be the designated hitter for the Yankees until they feel comfortable with him playing left field on a regular basis. Give Matsui a few days to get his timing back before putting him in the lineup. He's a good bet to hit anywhere between .275 and .300, with a few home runs and plenty of RBI opportunities.

Travis Hafner, 1B (Indians) - Hafner began his road to recovery Tuesday, collecting two hits in his first rehab assignment for Triple-A Buffalo. If all goes well, we could be seeing Hafner back in an Indians uniform next week. Don't expect a great average, but five to six home runs isn't out of the question.

Johnny Cueto, SP (Reds) - Cueto pitched seven masterful innings, giving up only one run in his last start against the Cubs, but he took the loss because of a poor offensive performance by Cincinnati. This month, Cueto is 1-2 with a 3.47 ERA, but his record is misleading because he has given up just two runs in his last 12 innings pitched.

Dan Wheeler, RP (Rays) - With Troy Percival on the shelf with cartilage damage in his right knee, Wheeler becomes the interim closer for the Rays. Manager Joe Maddon has decided to go with him instead of Grant Balfour, who also has experience closing out games for Tampa Bay. Wheeler is a great short-term option if you are looking to pick up some saves.

HOT & COLD

HOT

Marlon Byrd, OF (Rangers) - Byrd has been one of the hottest and most consistent hitters in the second half, batting .394 in August, with four homers and 20 RBIs.

Ian Stewart, 2B/3B (Rockies) - Stewart has fit in nicely with the Rockies lineup since being called up from the minors July 19. He is hitting .315 this month, while smashing six home runs and driving in 28.

Paul Maholm, SP (Pirates) - Maholm has been the most consistent pitcher for the Pirates, posting a solid 3.64 ERA, including three straight quality starts and a 1.81 ERA in August.

COLD

Adrian Beltre, 3B (Mariners) - Beltre is hitting a mere .191, with as many strikeouts (22) as hits (21) the past month. He also has just one home run in his last 18 games.

Dan Uggla, 2B (Marlins) - Uggla has cooled down considerably since the All-Star break, lowering his average from .289 to .262. He also has hit only four of his 27 homers this half, and he has a whopping 40 strikeouts since July 11.

Kyle Lohse, SP (Cardinals) - He is 1-4 with a 6.82 ERA in his past six outings, and he has yet to give up less than three runs in a start since July 17.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT