Wang and Headley

Wang of the Yankees sprained his right ankle while running the bases during an inter-league game against the Astros. I find this kind of stuff funny because shouldn't batting and running the bases be basic baseball skills that have been acquired throughout the years of playing baseball as a child? I know pitchers in the AL are use to pitching and only pitching but come on...these guys are apparently professional athletes, running around the bases shouldn't get you injured. Especially when these AL pitchers aren't even going full out when doing the hitting/base running. I guess the saying, "We're not athletes, we're baseball players" does seem to have some truth. BUT for fantasy news, Wang is expected to miss his next start but with a sprain things could change overnight but the Yanks will be overly cautious with their ace.

Chase Headley of the Padres was called up and will be playing the big leagues. His AAA-Portland numbers (.305, 14HR, 40RBI's) are worthy of a pick-up. In most leagues Headley is already available on the FA list so you won't even have to use your waiver priority on him. He will not be playing full-time in left field but if he does show some pop in his bat like his AAA numbers, expect him to be the daily starting LF. This prospect does not have the big time name brand like Kershaw or Bruce but this young and highly touted prospect can help your fantasy team if you need some pop in your batting categories.

Shawn Estes

Shawn Estes of the Padres was placed on the 15-Day DL after falling in the dugout and breaking his left thumb. These injuries always make me laugh because of how much these players make and they end up injuring themselves off the field. Yes, they are freak accidents but they are amusing.

Estes isn't a fantasy game changer but he does have some value in NL-only leagues. DL him or just drop him.

Josh Banks

Josh Banks of the Padres just pitched a complete game 6-hitter against the lowly Giants in just his 3rd appearance of the year. This young pitcher who was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 2nd round during the 2003 amateur draft is a promising pitcher but don't expect his 0.00ERA to continue through the year. His minor league career ERA of 4.33 is something closer to expect from this pitcher. His ability to strike batters out, 3-5K's/9IP, is a decent number but nothing special.

Owners, don't fall for this quick start just yet. His first two starts have been against two terrible hitting teams, the Reds BEFORE Jay Bruce and the Giants. Wait until he starts against a stronger hitting team to see how he might fit in the majors.

As always with rookies and pitching, keep him on your radar.

Peavy on DL

Now with Peavy on the DL, owners need to think about when he will be back. Well, with information coming out of the Padres camp telling us that he will most likely START throwing in two weeks, owners should expect his return late June to early July.

If he starts to throw in two weeks that brings us to the second week of June. Then he will go on a strengthening program which will last another 1-2 weeks. Making a start or two in AAA for rehab will be another week. So there we have it, late June or early July.

Now what to do while he is out? Owners don't go out and try to trade for another pitcher, there is no one out there that will make up for Peavy's production, except for Johan Santana. Of course, you will have to throw your best bat in a trade for Santana. So, keep your bats on your roster and now you will need to scour the waiver wire and find pitchers who are hot and are pitching in favourable match ups. Look for pitchers pitching against weak teams like the Giants, Padres, and teams who are struggling to produce runs.

Peavy to DL

Jake Peavy of the Padres is headed to the 15-Day DL after completing a MRI on his ailing right elbow. Luckily for owners there is not structural damage and hopefully Peavy will bounce right back after a two week hiatus. Owners, you don't need me to tell you to just sit back and wait for his return.

Peavy is bidding for another Cy Young award posting a 4-3, 58.2IP, 20BB's, 60K's, and a 2.91ERA in nine starts.

Injury News

Roy Oswalt of the Astros has a little problem with his hip and had to leave his last start in the 7th inning. As of right now there is no news coming from Houston but he is scheduled to start on Thursday against the Phillies but he may have to miss it. Owners, keep an eye out on this situation. Do nothing until more information is made available.

Stud fantasy pitcher Jake Peavy will miss his next scheduled start due to pain in his elbow. He will go for an MRI on Monday and for owners just sit tight until after the MRI when more information is made available. For now, just hope he doesn't have to sit on the DL for a prolonged time.

Chone Figgins of the Angels, who is currently on the DL with a hamstring injury, is scheduled to return on Tuesday but the Angels have not made it clear if he will be activated. But news coming from Angels camp shows he will most likely be in the lineup by the end of the week. For owners, just hope this injury is completely healed because his entire fantasy value is tied up in him stealing bags.