Rangers OF Josh Hamilton (hamstring) will come off the DL today after a monthlong absence, and might play some center field upon his return. Hamilton is owned in just 28.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, and as a former MVP he's a logical free-agent target, right? Um ... no.
Hamilton, who hit 10 homers with a .745 OPS in 89 games with the Angels last season, played in just seven games before injuring his hamstring. He estimates that the hamstring is 80-85 percent healthy, which isn't good for an injury-prone player who plans to play center field. Delino DeShields should be ready to come off the DL soon, and the corner outfield spots are manned by Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Gallo (the disappointing Leonys Martin remains in the picture as well). Sure, Gallo might get sent back to the minors or DeShields could be relegated to a bench role, but Hamilton seems more likely to be a part timer than a fantasy contributor. Don't waste your time.
In other news ...
Yankees OF Jacoby Ellsbury (knee) started a rehab assignment on Monday, and is targeting a Friday return.
An MRI confirmed that the injury to Hanley Ramirez's hand is only a bruise. The Boston Herald notes that a DL stint is still possible if Ramirez is unable to swing a bat within the next day or two, but there's also a chance he's back in the lineup by Thursday.
Clay Buchholz shut down the Blue Jays, which is no small feat. After a poor start to the season, Buchholz's ERA is down to 3.68, and he's got 91 strikeouts against 23 walks in 93 innings. If you happen to be in one of the 46 percent of FOXSports.com leagues in which Buchholz is unowned, go get him. He's solid.
Royals 1B Eric Hosmer is expected to be out until at least Thursday due to a sprained finger.
Indians rookie SP Cody Anderson had another strong start on Tuesday. You can grab Anderson if it doesn't require something like a big FAAB investment, but he's regarded as just an OK prospect, and his track record suggests that he won't miss too many bats. In a 12-team mixed league, I wouldn't be eager to get him.
After Monday's four-steal barrage, Billy Hamilton is up to 40 stolen bases for the season. His nearest competitor, Dee Gordon, has 26. Does it really matter so much that Hamilton can't hit?
Dodgers SP Mike Bolsinger pitched four scoreless innings on Monday, but was forced to leave the game due to a bout of food poisoning. My wife, who has the sense of humor of a 10-year-old boy, just asked me if Bolsinger was wearing white pants, and then giggled.
It sounds like the Padres are promoting infielder Jedd Gyorko, with Cory Spangenberg (knee) ticketed for a DL stay. Gyorko had four homers in 15 games at Triple A, but we're past the point where we should expect much from him. He's NL-only material, and that's all.
Kendall Graveman was terrific as Monday's streaming starter, throwing seven scoreless innings against the Rockies. Tonight's pick is Toronto's Marco Estrada (owned in 38.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the undermanned Red Sox. If you need to dig deeper, consider Cubs SP Kyle Hendricks (4.8 percent owned) at San Diego.
DFS advice (based on 50/50 games, salaries from DraftKings): There are a bunch of studs pitching tonight. Chris Sale ($12,800), Sonny Gray ($10,700) and Cole Hamels ($10,300) are all strong options - in that order - depending on how you want to structure things ... To save on your SP2, target Jordan Zimmermann ($8,400) against the Freeman-less Braves, or Estrada ($6,300) ... If you're stacking, know that the Blue Jays might score 30 runs of Eduardo Rodriguez. They eat lefties for breakfast, lunch and dinner ... The Dodgers and Rangers are next in line due to good matchups ... Derek Norris ($3,700) or Josh Phegley ($3,100) vs. a LHP? Phegley for me ... If he starts, Orioles 1B/OF Chris Parmelee ($3,100) can give you flexibility ... Joey Gallo ($3,200) might whiff a lot, but he's a decent 3B play against the hittable Miguel Gonzalez ... 2B/SS Cesar Hernandez has been hitting well for the Phillies, and at $2,900, the price is right ... Dexter Fowler ($3,700) is a no-brainer against Jon Niese.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
