Damage Control is a list of injuries that you need to be thinking about as you're sitting at work, trying to set your fantasy lineup for week two. I'm categorizing the injuries in three pretty obvious slots below (good, worth the risk, don't bother) for your perusal the rest of the afternoon prior to submitting your lineups.If there is anyone you have a question about, drop a note in the comments or send the Fantasy FanHouse crew an email. Please note that as injury news regarding the upcoming week is released, this list will be updated.
Safe to Roll
Francisco Rodriguez, CL, LAA -- He pitched Sunday, so you kind of have to start him if you own him.
Carlos Guillen, SS, DET -- Supposedly he's questionable, but I see no reason to bench him. He hits too well and is too valuable in terms of positional eligibility to keep on the bench.
Elijah Dukes, OF, WAS -- How you gonna bench me, dawg? (Seriously, if you are so inclined to own/use him, he should be back, dawg.)
Sweat it Out
Jose Reyes, SS, NYM -- Roll him out there. He's too talented and you don't have a better option. Plus, me and Greebs think he's gonna be good to go.
J.R. Towles, C, HOU -- X-rays on his hand were negative; I'm starting him this week.
B.J. Ryan, CL, TOR -- He's obviously back and it's worth the gamble that the Blue Jays won't get seven straight save opportunities.
Gil Meche, SP, KC -- Unless you're in a shallow league, I think he's actually a nice buy low right now.
Jimmy Rollins, SS, PHI -- If he gets any more "medical advice" from Joe Morgan you might be in trouble, but if he can pinch hit I gotta think he gets two of three in the first series.
Adrian Beltre, 3B, SEA -- He's questionable for the early series with a hamstring injury, but he's hitting well enough that I think you start him, unless you have a better option on the bench (like Evan Longoria)/
High Risk - High Reward
Francisco Liriano, SP, MIN -- He started Sunday and had seriously decreased velocity while getting worked by the Royals. I'm thinking you pass on him this week. If he is healthy, you'll get the stats the rest of the year. If he's not, you'll pay dearly. I would personally pass if he is, as reported, missing five mph on his fastball.
Derek Jeter, SS, NYY -- He might not play early, but I think I would start him unless you already have a nice SS option on your bench. (Or can pull something where you move Yunel Escobar to short and plug Aaron Hill in at second, maybe.) If you have a DL slot, I'd probably sit him too.
Howie Kendrick, 2B, LAA -- He's apparently doubtful with a hamstring injury and since he probably got taken late, you probably have some sort of other option at second. If you do, go with it.
Yovani Gallardo, SP, MIL -- Minors, working his way back but could start once this week; I'd probably hold off and wait one week. Worst case is you burn a roster spot and he doesn't even get to pitch.
Don't Even Think About It
Joba Chamberlain, RP, NYY -- He's out for the first set of games to visit his ailing father; keep him benched.
Tom Glavine, SP, ATL -- Questionable; I don't play games with osteo ... er, hamstring injuries
Rich Harden, SP, OAK -- Disabled List
Matt Garza, SP, TB -- Disabled List
Shane Victorino, OF, PHI -- Disabled List
Mike Lowell, 3B, BOS -- Disabled List
Dave Roberts, OF, SF -- Disabled List
Michael Barrett, C, SD -- Disabled List
Rafeal Soriano, CL, ATL -- Disabled List
Ty Wigginton, 3B, HOU -- Disabled List
Kevin Slowey, SP, MIN -- Disabled List
