Jose Bautista (OF-TOR): Bautista (ankle) sat for a second straight game on Saturday and continues to be day-to-day as the Jays are taking a cautious approach with the slugger. This is quite frustrating for fantasy owners, as Bautista looked to have found his power stroke in the early going, mashing two home runs out of the gates. Moreover, he has torched Sunday's probable starter, Jon Lester, for 4 homers and 7 RBI in 45 career ABs. While he looks to be a solid play for Week 2, check back later on Sunday to make sure he has suffered no setbacks.
John Lackey (SP-BOS): Lackey's comeback effort was cut short on Saturday after 4 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays due to a right biceps strain. The oft-injured righty looked solid, striking out 8 while allowing 2 earned runs on 5 hits and1 walk. Lackey will undergo an MRI on Sunday and is likely to miss at least one start. Alfredo Aceves who came in to relieve Lackey is likely to take his spot in the rotation.
J.A. Happ (SP-TOR): J.A. Happ tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings on Saturday against the Red Sox, allowing only 1 hit, walking 3, and striking out 6. While many expect Ricky Romero to re-emerge, Happ quietly made strides last season, increasing his velocity, K%, swinging-strike %, and groundball % while decreasing his BB% and line-drive %. He makes for a solid play in all leagues while he's clicking and is scheduled to face the Royals in his next outing. Even if Romero re-emerges, Happ will either stay in the rotation or be traded and start elsewhere if he continues to develop.
Greg Holland (RP-KC): Holland blew a two run lead for the Royals Saturday night against the Phillies, allowing 3 earned runs on 1 hit and 3 walks while striking out 2. Control issues are not new to Holland, as he posted a dangerous 11.8% walk rate in 2012. While Holland figures to get the next save chance, keep your eyes on Kelvin Herrera, who not only boasts an electric fastball, but also has developed elite control (6% BB rate last year, only 1 BB so far this year). Herrera spelled Holland last year when a break was needed, so Yost won't hesitate if Holland continues to struggle into next week.
Billy Butler (1B/DH-KC): After surprisingly sitting out the first game of the inter-league series in Philadelphia, Butler was back in there on Saturday, going 1 for 4 with a single. Country Breakfast is off to a quiet 2 for 15 start at the plate with 0 extra base hits, but it's only a matter of time before one of the most consistent hitters in the majors gets it going. The righty hit a career-high 29 home runs last season with a 140+ OPS. Both he and Hosmer are risky starts in NL parks, but with Cole Hamels on the hill today, Butler is likely to get the start.
Follow me on twitter @walterkuberski
There are over 100 players covered each day in the member area. If you're not already a subscriber, join us today!