MLB Quick Hits: Let's play two, Red Sox and Angels!
Fantasy owners in daily lineup leagues should start their Red Sox and Angels on Monday, as the teams will play a doubleheader with starts at 5:05 p.m. and 10:05 p.m. ET thanks to a Sunday rainout in Anaheim. That may not seem like a big deal, but it was the first home rainout for the Angels since June 16, 1995. Hang tough, Southern California.
In other news ...
Rockies OF Corey Dickerson (foot) started a rehab assignment on Sunday, and with his stay in the minors expected to be capped at 25 at bats, we could see Dickerson back in the Rox' lineup by the weekend, or maybe sooner.
Cubs' rookie Kyle Schwarber is scheduled to catch three of the team's next four games. Looks like they're going to let Schwarber play, and if he plays, he'll hit for power (while whiffing in bunches). Schwarber is owned in 24.1 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and worth a look in all formats.
In other Cubs' news, the team has called up Rafael Soriano, probably to be a setup man for the time being. Soriano struck out seven batters in seven innings without allowing a run during his stay in the minors.
With Carlos Martinez throwing 72 pitches in four innings of relief on Sunday, don't expect him to start again until at least Friday.
Braves 1B Freddie Freeman (wrist) appears to be closing in on a return to the lineup, but doesn't have a clear timetable yet.
The Phillies will call up top pitching prospect Aaron Nola to start Tuesday against the Rays. Nola has a 2.39 ERA in 18 starts between Double A and Triple A this season, with 92 strikeouts against 18 walks in 109 1/3 innings. I wouldn't feel the need to gamble on Nola's likely rookie growing pains in a 12-team mixed league, but in a deeper format he's worth a shot.
Dodgers C Yasmani Grandal was struck on the mask by a foul ball on Sunday, and could be "headed back to the seven-day concussion disabled list," according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Royals will activate Tommy John surgery alumnus Kris Medlen today to pitch in relief, at least for now. Jason Vargas (elbow) will come off the DL to start on Tuesday.
Cubs SP Jason Hammel will come off the DL to start on Tuesday at Cincinnati. Activate Hammel if you own him, weekly leaguers.
The Pirates are crossing their fingers that SS Jordy Mercer's leg injury isn't too serious. Jung-Ho Kang will get plenty of time at shortstop while Mercer is out.
Nationals 2B Anthony Rendon and 1B Ryan Zimmerman began rehab assignments over the weekend. Both could be back in the Nats' lineup within a week.
Twins 3B Miguel Sano sprained his ankle on Sunday, and figures to miss 2-3 days.
D-backs SP Chase Anderson is on the DL with right triceps inflammation. Josh Collmenter and Randall Delgado are candidates to start in Anderson's place on Thursday.
The pickings are slim for streaming starters today, so we'll go with Arizona's inconsistent Rubby De La Rosa (owned in 16 percent of FOXSports.com) against the Stanton-less Marlins.
DFS advice (based on 50/50 games, salaries from DraftKings): If you want to spend on Matt Harvey ($11,100) against the struggling Nationals, you can save at SP2 with De La Rosa ($6,500) or Alfredo Simon ($5,500) against the terrible Mariners ... The Rockies are home tonight against the Rangers, with a Nick Martinez-Chris Rusin matchup on tap. This game is fertile ground for whatever hitters you can fit ... Phillies 2B/SS Cesar Hernandez ($2,600) has been slumping lately, but he has a .363 wOBA vs. LHP, and his price is right against Matt Moore ... Savings at SS can be found with Xander Bogaerts ($3,300) or Wilmer Flores ($3,100) ... Phillies 1B/OF Darin Ruf ($2,000) hits LHP very well, and is a nice play at the minimum price (if he plays, of course).
See you back here tomorrow morning.
