J.J. Putz - After ESPN's Buster Olney reported on Wednesday that Putz was likely to need major, season-ending elbow surgery, reports yesterday indicated that Putz would not need surgery. Still, given his plethora of ailments-- a sprained ligament, a strained flexor pronator, and nerve irritation in his right elbow--Putz figures to be out for a long time, even on a rest and rehab regimen. It's possible he'll return before the end of the season, but it's certainly not guaranteed. Heath Bell has begun to close in his absence and has been quite effective for the Diamondbacks.
Zack Greinke - Greinke owners, rejoice! LA's prize offseason acquisition will apparently need just one rehab start, to be made today at High-A, before rejoining the Dodgers' rotation next week against Washington. After the initial estimate saw Greinke missing eight weeks, he's on track to return in less than five. While Greinke has underperformed his peripherals the past few seasons, the sample is relatively small, and his career 3.75 ERA and 3.61 xFIP line up quite well against each other. He possesses top-notch stuff and plus control, so Greinke figures to be one of the National League's best pitchers over the rest of the season as long as there are no lingering effects from his broken collarbone.
Ryan Vogelsong - Vogelsong was manhandled by the Braves last night, getting lit up for 6 runs in 4.1 innings. He struck out seven batters, although he walked three and saw one of his many flyballs leave the yard. Yes, apparently it is possible to increase a 7.20 ERA. That's sure to come down quite a bit, but those Vogy owners that have gotten used to him outperforming his xFIP (2011: 2.71 ERA, 3.85 xFIP, 2012: 3.37 ERA, 4.15 xFIP) should get less comfortable (and maybe consider taking up checkers). AT&T Park helps, but two years worth of data is hardly enough to call Vogelsong the next Matt Cain. An ERA north of 4.00 the rest of the way seems likely, making Vogelsong no more than a streaming option during good match-ups for mixed leaguers and a merely solid option for NL-only owners.
Juan Francisco - After hitting his first career grand slam on Wednesday, Francisco followed up the performance by going 2-for-3 with a walk last night. He continues to make his case for the lion's share of the playing time at third base in Atlanta, and he seems likely to push Chris Johnson into a smaller role sooner rather than later. Johnson has yet to record a hit this month, and Francisco has his left-handedness, far superior defense, and far superior power on his side. At worst, Francisco should begin to see regular at-bats versus all righties. At best, he could begin to see regular at-bats versus all pitchers with Johnson relegated to a bench role. While he won't hit for an average much higher than .250 or .260, his raw power is immense, making him a solid option in deep mixed leagues and an underrated weapon in NL-only leagues. There are over 100 player news blurbs posted in the member area each morning. Members can read the rest of today's player news by clicking here. Not a member? Join today.
