.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
MLB Quick Hits: Another DL stint for Braves' Freeman
Braves 1B Freddie Freeman is back on the DL, this time for an oblique strain suffered Monday night against the Giants. The Braves don't seem to think the injury is severe, and hope to get Freeman back after the minimum 15 days.
Until Freeman returns, look to stream and target DFS starters against the Braves. Look at Tuesday's lineup - they batted Chris Johnson cleanup, for crying out loud.
In other news ...
SP Luis Severino makes his big-league debut tonight for the Yankees. Eno Sarris of FanGraphs thinks Severino is the best 2015 fantasy bet of this week's pitching callups. I wouldn't be too excited to roster him in a 12-team mixed league, but if your league is deeper than that, go for it.
As for Tuesday's debuts, Boston's Henry Owens wasn't bad, while Colorado's Jonathan Gray was just OK. Close to what we expected in both cases, basically. It doesn't usually happen right away for these guys.
It sounds like Stephen Strasburg will come off the DL for the Nationals this weekend. Note to the Nats: I'll be in attendance on Saturday. Do the right thing.
Padres OF Justin Upton (thumb) sat again on Tuesday. Upton is still considered day-to-day, and is expected to avoid the DL.
There are four afternoon games on today's schedule, starting with Rays-White Sox at 2:10 p.m. ET. Set your lineups accordingly.
Phillies SP Jerome Williams held the Dodgers to one run in five innings. No, I have no idea how that happened, either. The Dodgers will probably rebound to pummel Aaron Harang tonight.
A's RP Sean Doolittle is on track to start a rehab assignment this weekend. Teammate Josh Reddick (back) is still day-to-day after missing Tuesday's game.
Rays 1B/3B Richie Shaffer hit his first major-league homer on Tuesday. Shaffer probably isn't destined for everyday duty, but should contribute enough power to be more than just a warm body for your AL-only squad.
Phillies 2B Chase Utley (ankle) could be ready to come off the DL by Thursday or Friday.
Tigers' rookie lefty Matt Boyd, who came to the team in the David Price trade, will start tonight against the Royals. Boyd struggled in a couple of starts with the Jays earlier this season, but his Triple-A numbers have been excellent.
Jon Niese was strong as our Tuesday streaming starter. Tonight, let's roll with young Mr. Severino (owned in 21.4 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) against the Red Sox.
DFS advice (based on 50/50 games, night games only, salaries from DraftKings): I prefer Madison Bumgarner ($10,600) among the aces, as he's facing the decimated and lefty-phobic (.283 wOBA against) Braves. But, I wouldn't argue with Matt Harvey or Johnny Cueto ... Gio Gonzalez ($7,800) has averaged almost 20 DK points over his last six starts ... Severino is just $4,600 if you'd like to load up on big bats ... The Astros, Dodgers, Jays and Yankees (in that order) appear to be the best stacking options ... BvP alerts: Adrian Gonzalez ($3,900) is 10-for-23 with three homers against Harang; Jonny Gomes ($2,000) is 7-for-10 with two homers against Bumgarner ... D-backs C Welington Castillo ($2,900) has been batting fifth lately, and has a career .363 wOBA vs. LHP ... Phillies 2B/SS Cesar Hernandez, still $3,000, and facing another LHP as the likely leadoff hitter. I'm flummoxed about his price, in a good way ... Troy Tulowitzki ($4,400) is hitting very well, and gets Twins RHP Tyler Duffey in his MLB debut ... If Cubs OF Chris Denorfia ($2,100) bats second again tonight, he'll be your budget-minded option at that position (if you don't use Gomes) ... Considering Rubby De La Rosa's problems with LHB (.406 wOBA), Bryce Harper ($5,400) is tonight's must-play hitter.
See you back here tomorrow morning.
