Ivan Rodriguez
After starting the season hot, batting .325 with 16 RBI's, the veteran catcher was bound for a regression. Instead, he's headed for the DL. Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day DL today with a lower back strain. In his first season with the Nationals, Rodriguez has been a fantasy gem, but he can be cut for other options amid this DL stint. Wil Nieves should make the majority of starts behind the plate for the Nationals in Rodriguez's absence. Though Nieves is not viable in fantasy, keep your eye on Rodriguez just in case he gets hot upon his return.
Homer Bailey
Bailey himself was surprised to learn he was being sent to the DL after a test found some inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Though Bailey called the DL stint unnecessary, saying, "I could understand missing one start, but I'm not that hurt," the Reds felt differently. Team doctors thought Bailey needed a couple weeks off for the shoulder to heal. Personally, I question the judgement of the Reds here as Bailey was just coming to form and was seemingly fine to pitch through the minor inflammation. This DL stint should not affect Bailey's value much; he remains a fringe option in mixed leagues.
Kyle Lohse
Similar to Bailey, Lohse is suffering from inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Lohse plans to undergo further medical exams to determine the extent and severity of the injury. However, at this time, it looks like the Cardinals starter could be headed to the 15-day DL, joining teammate Brad Penny. Penny is a starter who should be stashed in all formats, but Lohse, especially with his early season struggles, is a candidate to cut in mixed leagues.
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