Fantasy Baseball Monday Morning Lineup News: Cruz, Fowler & More

Here’s some of the important news you need to know before finalizing your fantasy line-ups for the week:

• Nelson Cruz is headed back to the DL with a strained hamstring.  That opens up regular playing time for David Murphy, though he’s not really worth picking up at this point with his .252, 2 HR, 15 RBI line.  While Julio Borbon could see extra time as well (instead of sitting against lefties), does anyone really care?  He hasn’t run nearly enough to justify using at this point (unless you are desperate in five-outfielder formats, as he does have the potential to post a big game at any time).  The only other potential option is Vladimir Guerrero seeing more time in the field.  That is likely music to the ears of fantasy owners if you are still waiting for him to gain OF eligibility.
• Dexter Fowler has been demoted to the minor leagues.  It makes sense, since he wasn’t seeing regular playing time due to the depth in the Rockies outfield.  Seth Smith is the big winner, as he should be in the lineup against every right-handed pitcher at this point.  Against righties he’s hitting .282 with 8 HR and 19 RBI on the year.  In his last five appearances he’s gone 6-14 with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 5 R.  Needless to say, if you are in need of an outfielder for the upcoming week, he’s certainly worth owning.
• Brad Lidge has been brought off the DL , but it is unlikely that he will immediately return to the closers role.  Jose Contreras has thrived in a relief role (0.59 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 3 SV) and given Lidge’s inconsistencies in the past, it’s going to take some stellar pitching and a falloff from Contreras before he is fantasy viable again.  Keep him stashed on your bench for now.

What are your thoughts on these news bits?  How are you handling these players?

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