Danny Salazar -- Salazar dominated in his MLB debut last night, throwing 6 one-run innings against Toronto with 7 K and 1 BB. Salazar relied heavily on his fastball that averaged 96 mph, but he also possesses a plus slider and a promising change-up. It was just a spot start, but this performance could put Salazar into the running for some more spots or even a rotation spot after the All-Star Break. He needs to be owned in all AL-only leagues and is worth considering stashing in deep mixers.
Erasmo Ramirez -- Making his 2013 debut last night, Erasmo Ramirez struggled mightily in 4.2 innings of work. He allowed 7 runs with 4 K and 4 BB, which is far removed from the expectations many had for him. Ramirez was a popular fantasy sleeper this year thanks to a high Swinging Strike rate in 2012 and a nasty change-up, and one bad start won't change the upside that he has. I never thought he was the next James Shields, as many seemed to, but Ramirez could definitely hold mixed league value if he's given a couple more starts to right the ship.
Elvis Andrus -- After being dropped from the second spot in Texas' order last week, Elvis Andrus returned from the bottom of the lineup tonight to bat second, but he went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Manager Ron Washington clearly wants Andrus to take ownership of a prime lineup spot, but it wouldn't surprise to see him back in somewhere in the 6-to-8 spots tomorrow night until he starts to hit (which I expect him to do).
Alexei Ramirez -- Ramirez left yesterday's game with a right hamstring injury that had many speculating a DL stint would be necessary. The injury is just being called "cramps," however, which is very good news for his fantasy owners. Ramirez should be considered day-to-day, but he seems to have avoided something more serious. Ramirez is a potential trade candidate this month, and it's hard seeing a place where he'd have more value than he does in Chicago. It might be worth exploring trade options yourself if you own him.
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.
