Rangers place Matt Harrison and Martin Perez on DL and other news
By Mike Marteny
The Texas Rangers have placed LHP Matt Harrison on the disabled list with a sore lower back. There are reports that Harrison may have to undergo spinal fusion surgery to repair out of place vertebra and nerve damage. It is safe to assume that Harrison will be out longer than 15 days, but no official news has been released yet pending MRI results.
Harrison was 1-1 with a 4.15 ERA in four starts this year. He will be replaced in the rotation by Nick Martinez, who has fared well out of the bullpen. He might be worth a look for desperate owners in deep leagues.
The Rangers also placed LHP Martin Perez on the disabled list with a sore elbow. As it turns out, he has a partial UCL tear, which usually ends in Tommy John surgery. Perez and the Rangers have not decided whether he will have the surgery or not. Since it is a partial tear, they could elect to have him rest and see how the healing process goes. Again, Perez will be out much longer than 15 days.
Perez was 4-3 with a 4.38 ERA in eight starts this year. Nick Tepesch has been called up to take his slot in the rotation. Tepesch struck out eight in 5.1 innings last night and only gave up one run. Expectations should be tempered though because it was against the Houston Astros, who lead the majors in strikeouts. Tepesch is a worthy streaming option for those of you in moderate to deep leagues. Just keep an eye on the matchups.
The New York Mets have placed RHP Dillon Gee on the 15 day disabled list with a strained muscle in his back. Gee was 3-1 with a 2.83 ERA in eight starts. This is a big blow to the Mets, and it will hurt some fantasy owners as well.
Jacob deGrom is the likely replacement for Gee, and could make his major league debut tomorrow. He should be left on the wire in all leagues against the dangerous Yankee lineup. That said, deGrom had a very good 2.58 ERA in the heavy-hitting PCL prior to his call up. He should be a viable streaming option in most leagues while Gee is out.
The St. Louis Cardinals have recalled 2B Kolten Wong from AAA Louisville where he was hitting .344. The Cardinals have not made it clear what his role will be this time around. He is still worth keeping an eye on though, and if you have a free bench slot in moderate or deep leagues, I would pick him up. There is still a lot of potential there.
As was widely reported, Marlins RHP Jose Fernandez will undergo Tommy John surgery by the end of the week. The timetable for his return will be anywhere from 12-18 months. Those of you in redraft leagues can drop him. He should still be held on to in keeper and dynasty leagues, however.
Stay tuned to Fantasy CPR for all of the latest roster moves and how they will affect your fantasy teams!