by Bruce Wasserzieher, KFFL

KFFL: Over a dozen expert league championships — a proven source of player news and fantasy content.

Updated: May 13, 2008, 1:50 PM EST Comment

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Figgins hadn't played since May 3 when he aggravated an existing hamstring injury while he was scoring. His leg collided with the home plate umpire's foot, causing the leg to move backwards while he was sliding. An MRI after that game revealed he had a mild strain. He'd been able to take batting practice and do some running as recently as Friday. He'd been playing through the injury since April 11, but his latest setback forced the team to place him on the DL.

Figgins' game is built around speed, so the decision to place him on the disabled list will give him at least an extra week to heal while allowing the team to bring up infielder Kendry Morales to fill the roster void.

Figgins has played in 26 games at third base with seven appearances at second base. The 30-year-old is hitting .306 with seven RBI, 11 steals and 18 runs scored in 121 at-bats over 32 games. The team's offense has been struggling without him in the lineup, averaging just 3.43 runs per game in seven games since his injury, including back-to-back shutouts at the hands of the Rays.

The Angels have been using infielders Brandon Wood and Robb Quinlan at the hot corner with Sean Rodriguez at second base; the team's infield depth has been tested by injuries to Howie Kendrick (hamstring) and Maicer Izturis (back). Wood's a highly regarded prospect, but is hitting just .154, while Quinlan's hitting a disappointing .182. Izturis could return as early as Tuesday if he undergoes a successful rehab assignment Monday. Kendrick's currently going through physical therapy and was scheduled to be re-evaluated Monday.

Those in weekly formats could expect Figgins back in action for the week beginning May 19. In the meantime, he should be placed in a DL spot, if one is available on your roster, so you can cover the void for the week beginning yesterday. Don't dump him, as there's still plenty of fantasy value he should bestow to your roster upon his return.

Other base-stealing specialists that likely are available are Royals outfielder Joey Gathright (10 steals), Giants infielder Eugenio Velez (eight steals), Giants outfielder Fred Lewis (five steals) and Reds outfielder Ryan Freel (five steals).

If you're strictly looking for a short-term replacement at third base, someone like Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu, Reds infielder Jeff Keppinger or Dodgers third baseman Blake DeWitt could fit the bill with their third-base eligibility.