MLB Quick Hits: Royals demote, then promote Ventura
Update 7/22: Jason Vargas tore the UCL in his pitching elbow and has been placed on the disabled list. So, Yordano Ventura was called up one day after he was sent down.
Remember a few months ago, when you drafted Yordano Ventura as an SP3? Many of you do, since he's still owned in 39.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. The Royals have apparently seen enough of their Opening Day starter, sending him and his 5.19 ERA to Triple A. Ventura's 3.69 FIP suggests that he's not as bad as his ERA, but for 2015 he's no longer worth your time. However, keep him in mind as a modest buy-low candidate for 2016.
In other news ...
Mike Trout missed Tuesday's game due to a sore heel, but says he'll play today. It's obviously possible that the injury could be more serious, but we currently have no reason to think that. Don't fret, Trout owners.
Ventura was replaced in the Royals' rotation by Jason Vargas, who started on Tuesday and left in the second inning with an elbow injury. Ouch.
Two home runs, Kyle Schwarber? That'll start a stampede to the fantasy free-agent wire.
Padres OF Justin Upton (oblique) was out of the lineup again on Tuesday. He should be considered day-to-day, with the Pads playing an afternoon game today.
Braves fill-in closer Jim Johnson has three saves in the last five days, and is owned in just 21 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Get on it, people.
There's a Cubs-Reds doubleheader on today's schedule, which includes eight afternoon games. With Dodgers-Braves starting at 12:10 p.m. ET, set those lineups early.
J.J. Hoover was given the opportunity to blow Tuesday's save for the Reds only because Aroldis Chapman was unavailable. Nothing to see here, unless Chapman gets traded before the deadline.
Phillies 3B Maikel Franco (elbow) hopes to return to the lineup on Friday.
Congrats to those who had July 21 in the "When Will Brett Anderson Get Injured?" pool. Anderson hurt (but apparently didn't tear) his left Achilles' tendon in Tuesday's game, and his prognosis is TBD.
In other Dodger news, Yasmani Grandal will reportedly be back in the lineup today after a concussion scare.
Rumblings out of New York are that the Mets might bring up OF prospect Michael Conforto as soon as Thursday. Conforto has played just 42 games at Double A (.325/.407/.531), and while he should be a good hitter someday, this would be a bit of a desperation move for the punchless Mets. Don't get too excited about Conforto in the short term.
Pirates C Francisco Cervelli missed Tuesday's game due to a sore right wrist, and is still day-to-day.
Good news: The Rays activated OF Steven Souza from the DL. Bad news: He whiffed four times on Tuesday. The guy has 15 homers with 10 steals, but couldn't hit a beach ball sometimes. I can still see taking a chance on Souza's power and speed if you need an outfielder, though.
Phillies' rookie Aaron Nola gave a strong effort as our Tuesday streaming starter. Today's pick is Arizona lefty Robbie Ray (owned in 4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues), even though he's pitching against Jose Fernandez.
DFS advice (based on 50/50 games, salaries from DraftKings): If you want to use Jose Fernandez ($10,000) at SP, I won't argue. I'll go with either Fernandez or Lance Lynn ($9,900), paired with C.J. Wilson ($8,500) ... Oakland C Josh Phegley ($3,400) against lefty Felix Doubront is a strong play ... Jose Altuve ($4,300) or the resurgent Robinson Cano ($3,400) at second base? I'll save the $900, thanks ... White Sox 3B Tyler Saladino ($2,100) is SS-eligible, has 44 DK points in his last three games, and bats second. Sure, he's facing a tough SP in Lance Lynn, but the price is right ... If you want to save OF money, try Oakland's Jake Smolinski ($2,100) who bats fifth against lefties, and has posted 47 DK points in his last two games. Sure, that's a small sample, but Smolinski is there to be a lefty masher.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
