NL East Fantasy News: The path ahead for deGrom
Come on, Braves. Just one win ...
Atlanta Braves
Weekend opponent: at Marlins (starters Perez, Norris, Chacin)
Braves LF Hector Olivera has been placed on administrative leave after being arrested for assault and battery earlier this week. There's no timetable for Olivera's return, and a suspension is possible. The Braves have used Kelly Johnson and Jace Peterson to replace Olivera so far. Jeff Francoeur and Drew Stubbs might get time in left field as well.
SS Daniel Castro was recalled from the minors on Wednesday. Watch your back, Erick Aybar.
Mike Foltynewicz whiffed seven batters in six scoreless innings at Triple A on Wednesday. He might not be far away from joining the Braves' rotation.
We'll offer an update on the Braves' closer situation if they ever get another chance for a save.
Rookie OF Mallex Smith has stolen one base while being caught twice. C'mon, Mallex.
Miami Marlins
Weekend opponent: Braves (starters Chen, Koehler, Cosart)
Wei-Yin Chen returns to the mound Friday night after getting hit in the elbow by a comebacker during his first start. Chen couldn't ask for a better matchup.
I agree with FishStripes: Adam Conley might be pretty good. The lefty pitched six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts against the Mets on Wednesday, and is owned in just 2.3 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.
Don Mattingly says he likes Marcell Ozuna batting second, but is open to changes.
New York Mets
Weekend opponent: at Indians (starters Colon, Harvey, Matz)
Jacob deGrom (strained lat muscle) is expected to throw a bullpen session on Friday, and is targeting a return to the mound on Tuesday. If the bullpen session doesn't go well, a DL stint is possible.
The Mets will employ a DH in Cleveland this weekend. With three righthanders starting for the Indians, it seems likely that Alejandro de Aza will get some playing time ahead of Juan Lagares.
Philadelphia Phillies
Weekend opponent: Nationals (starters Hellickson, Nola, Morton)
Vince Velasquez's 16-strikeout shutout on Thursday dazzled everyone who watched, and he's already owned in 73.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. However, keep in mind that Velasquez has never thrown more than 124 2/3 innings as a pro. He'll hit an innings limit at some point - probably 150-160 (that's a guess).
Ryan Howard hit a home run versus a lefty on Thursday. Don't expect him to get many chances to do that, though.
Jeanmar Gomez has four saves, and is owned in just 32.2 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Gomez isn't the type of pitcher you'd normally envision as a closer, but as we like to say around here, possession is nine-tenths of the law with closer jobs. Until Gomez fails, he'll keep getting the ball.
Washington Nationals
Weekend opponent: at Phillies (starters Ross, Scherzer, Gonzalez)
Congrats to Bryce Harper on his moonshot 100th homer. Harper is on pace for 60.75 home runs, in case you're wondering.
OF Michael Taylor is 4-for-29 with eight strikeouts and no walks. How patient do you think Dusty Baker will be with Taylor as his leadoff man?
