MLB Quick Hits: Miguel Cabrera to the DL
Last week, the fantasy baseball world was hit hard by Giancarlo Stanton's broken hand. Stanton's injury, while obviously devastating for his owners, at least wasn't a complete shock given his lack of durability in the past.
You can't really say the same about what just happened to Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera.
For the first time in his 13-year career, Miguel Cabrera will hit the disabled list after suffering a strained calf that should keep him out for the next six weeks. Like Stanton, replacing Cabrera's production will be impossible. Guys like Brandon Belt (39 percent owned) or Adam Lind (36.2 percent owned) can produce at a high level, but you're undoubtedly taking a big hit by losing Miggy.
In other news...
In slightly more expected news, Stephen Strasburg once again had to exit early. This time Strasburg's "side" was where the pain came from, and while it's unclear if he'll miss anytime, all these strangely vague injuries would provide me with enough motivation to trade him for someone with a higher floor but a lower ceiling. Fool me once...
Patrick Corbin made his season debut for the Diamondbacks, and he looked good doing it. In his first start after Tommy John surgery, Corbin went five innings to get the win. The former All-Star is owned in just 6.8 percent of leagues, but Rays starter Matt Moore seems like the better pickup if you're looking for a lefty off the waiver wire.
How good has Zack Greinke been this year? Greinke now has a 27 2/3 inning scoreless streak working, and his ERA is down to a tiny 1.48.
The Cubs activated Jorge Soler from the DL, which means it's time to pounce. Just about every outlet had Soler ranked as a top-25 prospect this season, and he's only owned in 42.8 percent of FOX Sports leagues. In a good Cubs lineup, he could put up some solid numbers.
He's stepped up big time for the Cardinals this season, but Jaime Garcia is headed to the DL with a groin strain. Garcia had a 1.69 ERA in seven starts.
Kris Bryant hit the second grand slam of his young career this weekend against the Marlins In a multi-homer game. This kid is going to be alright.
Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz doesn't seem bothered by trade rumors in the least bit. In his last three starts, Buchholz is 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA with 20 strikeouts and just a single walk. He's only owned in 63 percent of FOX Sports leagues.
Speaking of the Red Sox...David Ortiz is starting at first base Sunday against an AL team! This is not a drill! Ortiz hasn't started at first in a non-interleague game since all the way back in 2006.
A lot of rookies have made big impacts this season, but how about A's starter Kendall Graveman? He's gone at least seven innings over his last six starts, and on Sunday, he outdueled Felix Hernandez by blanking the Mariners. The strikeouts haven't really been there, but Graveman has a lot of quality starts to his name as of late.
Twins SP Ervin Santana is making his debut from suspension today. Fantasy expert John Halpin thinks he's worthy of a pickup, and I'm inclined to agree.
Halpin will be back with more Quick Hits on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!