This week in (fantasy) baseball 8/13-8/19

It’s hard enough following one’s own fantasy team without having to keep track of an entire sport’s daily transactions. To assist you, here’s a column dedicated to recapping the most notable trades, signings, promotions, demotions and role changes across the majors over the past week as they relate to fantasy. We’ll do this on a weekly basis. If you feel I’ve missed anything important, please don’t hesitate to keep the conversation going in the comments below.

Fantasy infirmary

• OK, so Melky Cabrera’s “injury” is self-inflicted, but nonetheless, he’s no longer a factor in fantasy play, since the earliest he’d be able to return would be if the Giants advance into the postseason. Cabrera’s loss is certainly crushing for fantasy owners who depended on the All-Star outfielder, and he’s been replaced by Gregor Blanco, who, although he doesn’t offer much in the way of fantasy, has stolen 19 bases this year.

Michael Cuddyer reinjured his oblique and is now headed back to the disabled list, and there’s talk he could miss the rest of the season. In his place, the Rockies called up 27-year-old Andrew Brown, who was killing the ball in the Pacific Coast League (.291/.371/.526, 24 home runs, 98 RBIs) and could become someone to watch in fantasy, depending on how much playing time he can snag.

• A knee bruise has sent Red Sox starter Felix Doubront to the disabled list, which should keep Aaron Cook in Boston’s rotation, at least for another start or two.

Starling Marte suffered a right oblique strain, and while he sits on the disabled list, Jose Tabata will see some playing time in left field.

Other bumps and bruises

Mark Teixeira missed games late last week with left wrist soreness.

Carlos Gonzalez’s grandfather passed away over the weekend, and the Rockies placed the outfielder on the bereavement list. He’ll probably return on Tuesday.

Minor developments

Zach Britton is back in the major leagues and pitched an outstanding game on Saturday against the Tigers.

• It took a season-ending thumb injury for Chris Getz in order for the Royals to finally give Johnny Giavotella some regular playing time, but the second baseman has been called up to the big leagues again this season after batting .323/.404/.472 in Triple-A.

Road to recovery

Jaime Garcia returned from the DL and looked sharp in a no-decision Sunday against the Pirates, as he notched 10 strikeouts.

Andrew Bailey has finally returned from a thumb injury that ruined the first four months of his season, but Alfredo Aceves is still the frontrunner in Boston when it comes to save opportunities.


Karl, a journalist living in Washington, D.C., learned about life's disappointments by following the Mets beginning at a young age. His work has appeared in numerous publications, and he has contributed to the 2014 and 2015 editions of The Hardball Times Annual. Follow/harass him on Twitter @Karl_de_Vries.

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