The illness cost Boston SPs Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka each a turn in the rotation. Beckett should be fine in time for his next start Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Washington 2B Felipe Lopez is the new starter. If you need steals, pick him up as he’s been slotted as the Nationals leadoff hitter.
Keep an eye on Colorado CL Manny Corpas. He’s already blown three saves this season after just blowing three all of last season. It may be just a blip, though, as RP Brian Fuentes is in a battle with Matt Herges to keep his eighth-inning role.
On the injury front …
Detroit OF Curtis Granderson was activated from the DL. Hopefully you got him in your starting lineup in time to benefit from Wednesday’s offensive clinic.
Minnesota OF Michael Cuddyer could be activated as early as Friday. He’s missed time with a dislocated finger.
Washington CL Chad Cordero has rotator cuff tendonitis and is out indefinitely. Could be time to write him off.
Seattle SP Erik Bedard is scheduled to come of the DL and start Saturday against the LA Angels. Teammate CL J.J. Putz was activated Tuesday.
Cleveland SP Jake Westbrook was placed on the DL with a strained muscle in his left rib cage. He could be out up to four weeks. Paul Byrd moves up to start on Friday, while Aaron Laffey or Jeremy Sowers could get the call-up to replace Westbrook in the rotation. Laffey is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA, a 1.26 WHIP and 18 Ks over 23 innings; Sowers is 0-2 with a 3.18 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 16 Ks over 22-plus innings. Seems like a coin flip between the two lefties, so keep a close eye on the situation, but I give the slight edge to Laffey.
Milwaukee SP Ben Sheets, who left his last start with tightness in his right triceps, was held out of Wednesday’s start. He is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.
LA Angels SP John Lackey is scheduled to pitch Thursday in Single-A as a start to his rehab. He will remain with at A Ball until May 4 and could be back with the Angels as early as May 9.
Tampa Bay SP Scott Kazmir made his second rehab start and could rejoin the Rays to face Boston either May 3 or 4. Tough assignment to come back to.
Back to Yankees-White Sox … if you’ve got some questions … feel free to leave a comment.