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There are reports this involves Tanaka’s forearm, which could be code for an elbow injury, and you can bet the Yankees will be extra cautious with their first-year star. Even if he doesn’t go on the DL, he might not start until the fifth game after the All-Star break, so as to maximize his rest in his first full MLB season.
The Dodgers (Josh Beckett), Indians (Justin Masterson) and Pirates (Gerrit Cole) are taking that same cautious approach with their aces, and the Tigers are doing it with Victor Martinez (side) on the position player side.
That’s not to say that Beckett (hip), Masterson (knee) and Cole (lat) don’t really need DL-stints, but it’s likely the upcoming break made their teams’ respective decisions easier.
In the case of Tanaka or guys like Cole and Beckett, what fantasy owners need to pay attention to is not necessarily the players getting the rest, but rather the players who will be getting a chance while the starters are out. With pitchers, one or two spot-starts can easily turn into a regular rotation spot.
Lots of blasts from the past are popping up on our Projected Starters Grid, including Joe Kelly (Cardinals), Dillon Gee (Mets) and Jeremy Hellickson (Rays), and a couple more, including Danny Salazar (Indians) and Brett Anderson (Rockies), could be joining their respective teams this weekend.
Salazar is easily the most intriguing name of the group. The popular preseason sleeper had a rocky start before being sent to Triple-A, where he eventually went on the DL because of a right triceps strain. He’s pitched a little better since returning from injury, posting a 3.99/1.23 line with 38 Ks in 29.1 innings. We know the talent is there, and he could easily find himself sticking over T.J. House or Josh Tomlin once Masterson is ready to return.
Tanaka, Cole, and Beckett will take care of themselves in due time – they won’t be on your waiver wire, and all their fantasy owners can do is hope for a speed recovery. But players coming up and getting a second or third shot at a rotation spot are the types of players who could make some noise down the stretch in fantasy leagues.
Be ready to make some moves.