Around the Majors

Troy Percival of the Rays is back on the DL for the third time this season. The closer is suffering from an injury to his right knee. The Rays will have a closer by committee. This is the worst case scenario for any owners who are in a battle for saves. If you have a chance go out and grab these guys Wheeler, Balfour, Howell, and even Miller. The most likely candidate will be Wheeler, who owns 4 saves this year, and is the only one who has major league experience in the closer position prior to this season.

Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals is back on the DL and for owners who thought he might give you a boost for stretch run just got hit hard. This former CY Young winner in 2005 now finds himself trying to recover from a shoulder strain. All owners should drop him ASAP and find another player. If he he outs the minimum 15 days, which I doubt he will, he will only give you 2/3 starts maximum. Plus, with his history of injury the Cards will most likely shut him down for the rest of the season.

Melky Cabrera of the Yankees is now finding a life outside the historic gates of Yankee Stadium and now catching fly balls in the minors. He was demoted after a terrible slump which has lasted since May. After a hot start in which he hit 7HRs he is not just hitting .240AVG. He should not be on any teams except AL-Only leagues but after his demotion he should be on the wire in all leagues.

Tom Glavine of the Braves is back on the DL. Owners, just drop him.

Billy Wagner of the Mets is scheduled to return to the bullpen on Monday when he is allowed to be activated. This is not soon enough for a bullpen that has been shelled in his absence.

Percival and Kobayashi

Troy Percival of the Rays is the closer but it may change soon. Apparently, the Rays are saying there is no injury to Percival at this time but the trip to the mound by the trainer during his last outing is not a good sign, especially since he just spent time on the DL. Make sure to monitor this situation closely and if you do have room, go out and grab Dan Wheeler just to hedge your bets. This goes for everyone, owners and non-owners of Percival.

Masa Kobayashi of the Indians continues to shine with 2 saves in his last 6 outings. With Borowski being Borowski, owners should be a little worried that Kobayashi might take over as the full time closer. Just like Wheeler, owners should grab Kobayashi in speculation that there might be a change in closers.

Troy Percival

Troy Percival of the Rays was officially put on the 15-Day DL after hurting his ankle and will most likely be back right after the designated 15 days.

For owners who have Percival be happy that this injury is not going to keep him out for a longer period of time. Owners, look to Wheeler for the saves opportunities. But keep in mind the Rays organization has stated they will go with a closer by committee but Wheeler does have the experience closing while he was in Houston after Brad Lidge went down.

If you are over cautious pick up these guys too...Reyes, Miller, and Howell.

Injuries

Ian Kennedy of the Yankees was placed on the 15-Day DL and should be let go in mixed leagues but should be kept in deeper fantasy keeper leagues.

Daisuke Matsuzaka of the Red Sox might be heading for the DL, like I mentioned in a previous post, so owners should just relax and wait for his MRI results.

Troy Percival of the Rays left his last game with tightness in his left hamstring. He will be re-evaluated on Thursday. Go out and pick up Dan Wheeler for back-up, just in case.

Rafael Soriano of the Braves was activated from the DL and will see the closing duties immediately. Just watch out because Smoltz may return as the closer.