Alex Cobb (SP-TB). Cobb is scheduled to make what he hopes will be is only rehab start on Saturday night and, barring any setbacks, is hoping to return to the Rays' rotation on May 22. Cobb's return will be welcomed by his fantasy owners, as he had put up a sparkling 1.89 ERA and 0.89 WHIP prior to going on the DL with an oblique strain. Believe it or not, Cobb is not 100% owned in ESPN and CBSSports leagues, so check your waiver wire, just on the off chance that Cobb is available.
Kole Calhoun (OF-LAA). Calhoun, who has been on the shelf with a sprained ankle, began a rehab assignment on Friday night and, barring any complications, is scheduled to rejoin the Angels on Tuesday night in Houston. Although his season got off to a slow start, Calhoun had started to get hot immediately prior to his injury and had posted .250/.297/.500 slash rate when he got hurt. Hitting atop the Angels lineup, Calhoun should be a good source of runs and his average should only go up, as he has posted a below-average .267 BABIP. All of Calhoun's peripherals are solid, as, even with the poor batted ball luck, he has hit line drives at a 22.9% rate and has a 15.8% HR/FB rate. Even with the time he has missed, Calhoun should easily reach double digits in both HR and steals while also making positive contributions in runs and BA. He is definitely a recommended add if he is available in your league.
Nick Tepesch (SP-TEX). With both Martin Perez and Matt Harrison hitting the DL, it looks like Tepesch will be staying in the Texas rotation for awhile (unless they go out and acquire a pitcher via trade). With a rotation spot assured, Tepesch is a definite add in AL-only leagues and is also worth some consideration as a streaming option in mixed leagues. Tepesch posted a solid first outing and was in line for the win until the Texas bullpen gacked up a two run lead. Tepesch posted solid numbers in the minors this year (1.58 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 23.0 K rate and 5.1% BB rate in 7 starts). Tepesch was also solid in the major league rotation last year, although his final numbers don't look great (4.84 ERA, 1.37 WHIP). The ERA and WHIP were inflated by a .309 BABIP and a 69.1% strand rate, and his true performance level was better reflected by his 3.82 xFIP and solid (for a rookie) 18.7% K rate. If he can maintain at least a portion of the K rate gains he showed at AAA (he did strike out 8 in 5.1 innings in his 2014 debut, but that was against the Astros, so it has to be taken with a grain of salt).
Ichiro Suzuki (OF-NYY). With Carlos Beltran hitting the DL (possibly for as long as 12 weeks, if he opts for surgery on his elbow), Ichiro has suddenly become fantasy relevant again, as he figures to see the most time in RF as Beltran's replacement. Suzuki has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence so far in 2014, slashing .364/.397/.436 with 2 SBs in limited action. Not even Ichiro can maintain the .444 BABIP that is supporting that BA, but, with a career .344 BABIP, the BA regression for him may not be as severe as it would be for other players. Those in need of speed and/or an injury replacement in the OF could do worse as, with regular playing time, Ichiro can definitely provide some fantasy value, particularly in the SB category. One word of caution, though - he is sporting an unusually high (for him) K% of 17.2%, which, if not brought under control, could result in a severe BA dip.
Brad Miller (SS-SEA). Miller went 1 for 3 with a walk on Friday night against the Twins, raising his season line to a miserable .158/.217/.263. Miller's numbers are being dragged down by a .193 BABIP and a 27.9% K rate. The Mariners have said they are going to be patient with Miller, but one wonders how much longer that patience will last. Miller's numbers should improve as his luck evens out, but unless and until he learns to control the strike zone better, the improvement is going to be limited and may not come soon enough to avoid a demotion to AAA. I would still recommend holding onto Miller, as his potential for double digit HR and SB at a scarce positions warrants some patience.
