Jean Segura (SS-MIL): Segura (hamstring) did not play Thursday. While he is considered day-to-day, the Brewers are going to monitor him into the weekend and may shut him down if the hammy doesn't respond positively. It had already been a horrific second half for Segura, who had posted .593 OPS with 1 homer in 52 2nd half games. Segura has a history of hamstring injuries in the minors, so this doesn't look like an isolated/fluky incident. Jeff Bianchi started in his stead and is likely to receive the bulk of the playing time in his stead. For 2014, Segura has tremendous upside, but beware of the health risks, as much of his value depends on the health of his legs.
Edward Mujica (RP-STL): Mujica blew his 4th save of the season after allowing a Todd Helton solo homer in the bottom of the 9th. He has been especially shaky as of late, allowing runs in 4 of his last 7 outings, with 12 hits during that same span. His 2.26 ERA/3.41 xFIP portends even more regression, as the veteran hasn't been missing as many bats lately. The good news for Mujica owners is that Trevor Rosenthal has also struggled recently, so Mujica should receive the next save chance. However, monitor over the weekend closely, as the Cardinals won't hesitate to install Rosenthal if Mujica continues to struggle. As for 2014, I see Rosenthal as a huge sleeper who could take the closer's gig and run with it.
Pedro Strop (RP-CHC): Dale Sveum said he is giving the closer reigns to Strop for the rest of the season in an audition for 2014 (for real this time). Strop has been very solid with the Cubs since coming over from the Orioles, allowing runs in only 4 of his 33 outings. Most importantly, his control has been much improved, as his K:BB ratio sits at 35:10 with the Cubs (it was 24:15 with the Orioles). For those in leagues where saves are tight, pick him up immediately. He could also been an interesting closer option in the later rounds in 2014 if the audition goes well.
Hanley Ramirez (SS-LAD): Ramirez (back) hit 2 homers as part of a 4-for-5, 2-run, 4-RBI night after returning to the lineup. He now has 20 homers, 10 steals, 57 RBI, and 62 runs to go with a .351/.403/.656 line in 81 games. Don Mattingly has discussed a plan to keep Ramirez fresh for the playoffs, making him likely to sit roughly half of the team's remaining games. As for 2014, Hanley is entering a contract year, so I expect him to be healthy and motivated, with a potential return to elite status.
Jose Tabata (OF-PIT): Tabata went 2 for 3 with 2 runs and 3 RBI to lead the Pirates over the Padres. This pushed his line to .277/.339/.415 with 5 homers, 3 SBs, 32 runs, and 30 RBI in 100 games. Starling Marte will return to the lineup on Friday (birth of child), so this will severely cut into Tabata's playing time for the rest of the season. Marte may not be 100%, so monitor the situation closely before making lineup decisions for next week. As for 2014, Tabata could find himself with a regular role again, but the looming presence of Gregory Polanco could complicate things next summer, making him a risky pick in standard leagues.
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