First base down the stretch is going to be the bane of many teams. Ryan Howard and Kevin Youkilis were both placed on the DL yesterday. Both have some question about severity of the injury with Howard having an ankle sprain he could be back in two weeks, but Youkilis has a muscle injury in his thumb and surgery has not been ruled out yet. Howard should be back this season, but Youkilis is a big question for this year and going forward. This is a very unusual injury and previous comparisons are tough to find. Will he have his power and contact next year? Let's hope so.
This news gives value to Mike Lowell who will take over at first base for the Red Sox and last night already showed he still can be a fantasy player. He hit a home run in his first at bat for his only hit of the night. He can still hit for power and is built for Fenway Park, but his hip still slows him down and he might need a day off here and there.
The Nationals have waived Adam Dunn yesterday and we all await a waiver claim. If any team can claim him and acquire him that could play a role in his fantasy numbers. Plenty of playoff teams would add to his value for runs and RBIs, but his playing time and a pitchers park could lower his best asset.
Some pitching performances worth noting: Josh Beckett threw 8 innings with 8 Ks and no walks although against a weak Indians offense. No matter what CBS says Brian Duensing had a rough night with 4 BB and only 3 Ks. That 2.10 ERA is an aberration and he shouldn't be trusted in your leagues.
