Posada is set to return to the Yankees sometime later this week, probably Thursday. He has been playing in extended spring training for the past week and the team believes his troubled shoulder is strong enough for him to return to his catching duties. The team will keep three catchers active for a couple weeks to let Posada work himself back into everyday playing shape but feel safe activating Posada and putting him in your lineup either Wednesday or Thursday.
Daisuke Matsuzaka - SP - Boston
The Sox 2008 ace was placed on the DL earlier this week after being removed from a game with shoulder soreness. He has begun his strengthening program and is hoping to be ready to rejoin the team when he is eligible to come off the DL on June 12. The Sox will be cautious with Dice-K, so if he is not ready at that time do not expect to see him with the team. However all accounts from Boston suggest Matsuzaka will be ready.
Troy Percival - RP - Tampa Bay
Percival was placed on the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury. Though Percival is one of the biggest reasons for the success of the 2008 Rays, this shouldn't surprise many people as the 39 year-old is pitching for the first time in a couple years. It would be wise to look elsewhere to fill his roster spot as the Rays do not have the most reliable closers waiting to backup Percival.
David Ortiz - DH - Boston
Ortiz sprained his wrist on Saturday night against the Orioles swinging at a pitch. He sat out the team's game on Sunday but the Sox do not plan on putting the slugger on the DL, rather listing him as day-to-day. Keep a close eye on Ortiz's progress but the safe play would be to bench him for the next few days and use another option at DH or 1B.
Ryan Zimmerman - 3B - Washington
Zimmerman has missed all of this week with shoulder soreness but has not been placed on the DL. In fact the team stated on Friday that he would be available for the weekend but he has not played. This has the makings of an injury that could nag Zimm for the remainder of the year while he tries to play through. However, it is entirely possible that if the injury does not improve by summer the Nationals will shut him down for the remainder of the year as they clearly have no shot at contending for anything in 2008. But for now, expect Zimmerman back sometime next week and to try and fight through the pain.
Travis Hafner - DH - Cleveland
It may be time to give up on Hafner, if you're one of the few remaining who have not already done so. The Indians placed the one-time slugger on the DL with a shoulder stain. For Hafner's sake let's hope this is the cause of his absolutely dreadful 2008 because if not, then he and the Indians are in trouble. One of the offensive stars of the 2006 season, Hafner took a huge step back last year but still put up respectable numbers. But 2008 has been an utter nightmare for Pronk and there are no signs of improvement in sight. If you have available DL slots stash him there but if not, do not worry about cutting ties with Hafner.
Eric Byrnes - OF - Arizona
The Diamondbacks placed Byrnes on the DL Tuesday with Grade 1 strains in both of his hamstrings. Byrnes' rehab will initially consist of no running for five to seven days so it is not clear if he will be able to rejoin the team when eligible to come off the DL. After a monster 2007, Byrnes has been a huge disappointment to owners in 2008. He is worth using a DL spot for but due to the nature of the injury it is unclear if manager Bob Melvin will run Byrnes as much as he did last year, significantly reducing his fantasy value. If there is someone on your waiver wire who can help you now it may be a good move to ditch Byrnes and go with the more healthy player.
John Smoltz - RP - Atlanta
Smoltz is scheduled to return to the Braves sometime earlier this week and when he does return he will assume the Braves' closer role. Consider Smoltz a top-tier closer with dominant stuff and if his return gives you a surplus at the position do not hesitate to swap a lesser closer for a starter or an offensive position where you may need help.
Chone Figgins - OF, 3B, 2B - Anaheim
After only one game with the Angels after his first stint on the DL, Figgins was placed back on the 15-day retroactive to May 22. The Angels are confident this trip to the DL will produce a healthy Figgins upon his return. With his speed and multi-position eligibility Figgins remains a top 50-60 fantasy player and should be placed on your DL. If your roster does not have a DL option you must put Figgins on the bench and be patient until he returns to action. His stolen base potential makes him much too valuable to drop.
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Pedro Martinez - SP - New York
Martinez is set to make his much anticipated return to the Mets rotation on Tuesday. Whether he will be able to remain healthy is another story, as the past couple seasons have seemed like one long stint on the DL for Martinez. Pedro is certainly worth a look or a play if already on your team, but remember that this is not the Martinez of 1999-01, or even 2005 for that matter. He will provide some value but he is far from the fantasy ace we once knew and loved (or hated).
