Anthony Rizzo -- Rizzo batted second last night as part of a new-look Cubs batting order and went 3-for-4 with 2 home runs, 3 RBI, and 2 runs scored. The trade of David DeJesus presents some challenges to the Cubs' lineup, but Rizzo in the second spot is an odd choice, to be sure. Rizzo is in the midst of a solid season with 20 home runs despite a .228 batting average, but that should rise. A move from third to second in the order would have a definite negative impact on his RBI total, though.
Jason Heyward -- Heyward left yesterday's game after being hit on the jaw by Jon Niese, and reports indicate that he'll miss four-to-six weeks. Unless he hits the early portion of the timetable, this would end his fantasy season. Heyward would finish with a relatively disappointing .254/.348/.426 triple-slash line with 13 home runs and just two steals, but he's far more talented than that. It's a tough break for those who bought low hoping Heyward would hit on his elite upside the rest of the way.
Jake Arrieta -- Arrieta lasted just four innings yesterday against the Washington Nationals, yielding 6 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts. Arrieta has never enjoyed much success at the major league level, but Camden Yards, the American League, and the AL East in particular were never favorable contextual factors for him. I love Arrieta's stuff and the move to the National League and think he's worth owning in deep mixed leagues despite the rough outing today (but I've been burned before).
Jon Niese -- Niese had a very impressive outing against arguably the National League's best offense, the Atlanta Braves, yesterday, pitching 7 one-run innings with 9 K and 3 BB. Niese has had one good and two great starts peripherally since coming off the Disabled List and is looking like the Niese of old--the one that didn't struggle through the first half of the season. He needs to be owned in medium-depth mixed leagues, even if you still pick-and-choose his next couple starts.
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