DL Returnees

Eric Byrnes of the Diamondbacks returned from the DL on Monday and went 0-5. Owners who dropped him because of his injury should take a chance and pick him up if they have room on their roster. In 2007, he stole 50 bags, hit 21HR's, 83RBI's, all with a .286AVG. This was his career year and owners who drafted him thinking he was going to repeat those numbers are on some wacky tobacky. By looking at his career totals, when he is injury free, he can hit 20HR's and steal 15-20bags. So far this season he has struggled at the plate and on the base paths but if you can take a chance, he could provide huge returns in the second half.

Gary Sheffield of the Tigers is recovering from a strained left oblique. In a rehab start he went 1-3 with a HR on Sunday. Just like Byrnes, this guy is worth the pick-up and if he goes back to normal production, which I believe he will, he will give owners a great boost in power numbers for the rest of the season. The only problem I see is his ability to stay healthy. He is really piling on the years and if the Tigers don't treat him well with off-days Sheffield and his bat might not be able to stay in the lineup. He deserves a spot on all rosters but if he struggles, cut him.

Clint Barmes of the Rockies made his return last night and went 1-4. Again, this guy should be on all fantasy rosters but be warned, his playing time might not be guarenteed. With the hot bat of Jeff Baker Barmes needs to prove he is able to make contact and get on base regularly. Before his DL stint, Barmes was hitting .340+ and was showing tons of confidence at the plate. Lets see if he can continue his productive hitting. Owners, make sure to have this guy on your roster.

Josh Willingham of the Marlins is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday. After a long DL, lasting almost 2 months, this hot swinging LF'er is about to make his return. Owners, who had him for the first month were greeted with great numbers. Don't expect Willingham to continue hitting .341 but do expect him to have 15-20 more HR's the rest of the way.

Jeff Keppinger of the Reds returned to the lineup with a 1-4 performance against the Yankees. Before going on the DL he was putting up nice numbers for owners, .324 with 3HR's, and 2SB's. This production is great coming from a SS. Owners, I would suggest leaving him on your bench to see how comfortable he feels being back in the lineup. If he hits coming out the gate, put him back into your lineup.

DL Report

Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox has landed himself on the 15-Day DL with a broken nail on his right middle finger. This injury seems a little odd but does make sense since he applies plenty of pressure while pitching. For fantasy owners, this doesn't mean much unless you are in a deep deep deep league or an AL-only league. Look for Clay to be back right after his DL stint is over.

Jeff Keppinger of the Reds is on the DL, as I mentioned in a previous post, and this has a bigger impact on fantasy owners than Clay. So far this season, Keppinger has held the team together by hitting a solid .324AVG, 3HR, 27RBI's, and 2SB's. The injury, a fractured left kneecap, will sideline him for 4-6 weeks. This guy is droppable if you don't have room on your team or if you DL is filled with someone more important. Also, Paul Janish was called up from AAA-Louisville and well I guess Jay Bruce will have to wait another day before being called up. But the Reds would be stupid if they don't call Bruce up soon. With their current spot in the bottom of the standings and with trade rumours flying over Griffey and Dunn, the Reds should give this highly touted and highly proven stud a chance in the majors.

Keppinger.......and BRUCE

Jeff Keppinger of the Reds suffered a fractured patella bone and surely heading for the DL. So far, Jerry Hairston will take over at the SS position because he has the most experience at that position.

THE BIGS NEWS is if Keppinger goes to the DL, there will be a spot for someone to be called up...and with all the news about Jay Bruce absolutely tearing up the AAA this might be the chance Baker has to call up Bruce. Jay Bruce deserves to be in the majors. He's batting .328 with 7HR's, 29RBI's, and 7SB.

FOR GODS SAKE, CALL UP BRUCE!!!