Injury: Braves get Glavine back, lose Smoltz

Tom Glavine came off the DL to pitch six good innings today, but the Braves found out that John Smoltz has a shoulder issue that’s gotten worse. He’s out indefinitely, though it looks like it’ll be more like one month than three. This is part of the pain of having a geriatric starting rotation, even if they’re pretty darn good.

You should anticipate this when picking players like Glavine and Smoltz for your team, and balance injury risks with workhorse-type pitchers, like Javier Vazquez. If you need immediate innings, look to some of the young Oakland starters at home, or Hiroki Kuroda in LA.

Injury: Posada’s shoulder in trouble

Jorge Posada tried to warm up Sunday, but found that he couldn’t throw. Uh-oh. Posada spent time on the DL earlier this season for his shoulder, and had been playing just fine, and suddenly this. Said Posada:

I made some good throws [on Saturday]… Today, I couldn’t throw at all… The MRI showed a strained muscle… I think it’s more than that.

Better start looking for another catching option, if you haven’t already. Check my list of waiver wire pickups at this position here.

Waiver wire: Second base

Chase Utley continues to show why he’s the top second baseman in the Majors by a wide margin. But just in case you don’t have him, here are some paper tigers and some workable alternatives.

Corpas to be demoted?

Manny Corpas has been struggling for the Rockies, blowing his second straight save yesterday and his third in four opportunities. I ranked him low among closers precisely because of his youth and unprovenness. Pick up Brian Fuentes pronto if you need some saves. I didn’t think that the Rockies would displace him after signing Corpas to a long-term deal, but it may have already happened, at least temporarily.

Waiver wire: Catchers

What happens if you’re stuck with Kenji Johjima and you need catching relief fast? Think carefully before you click that “drop” button. Here’s how to separate the true sleepers from the fast starters.

What’s wrong with C.C.?

There few players these days giving fantasy owners headaches like C.C. Sabathia. The 2007 Cy Young Award winner has looked horrible in four starts, going 0-3 while posting a 13.50 ERA and walking 14 and striking out 14 over 18 IP. He’s given up an unbelievable 27 earned runs, and 5 home runs to boot. The ironic thing is that he was probably the most consistent starter last season. Not a good way to start your contract-year campaign. So what’s going on with Sabathia? Is he hurt? Is he just too fat?

Injuries: Borowski, Moylan to the DL

Yesterday was not a kind day for closers. After topping out at 83 mph and giving up 3 runs in the top of the 9th to allow a comeback victory for the Boston Red Sox last night, Joe Borowski was placed on the 15-day DL with some unspecified shoulder issue. As I’ve been saying, Rafael Betancourt is the best reliever in that bullpen by far. There is an off chance that Cleveland uses Masahide Kobayashi in that role, as he has closed successfully in Japan. Don’t be surprised if he finishes out tonight’s game, because Betancourt has pitched the last two days and is not available.

The Atlanta Braves placed Peter Moylan on the 15-day DL. They can’t catch a break with their closers, it seems. Every usual candidate is currently on the DL. Next on the depth chart is Manny Acosta. Wonder how many days he’ll last.

Gallardo on standby

Yovani Gallardo feels pumped and ready to go, and is in New York this weekend with the Brewers for their series against the Mets. Milwaukee does not plan to activate him yet, but he could pitch if the games are delayed significantly by weather. The front office would like for him to get one more start at Nashville, so don’t put him in your lineup just yet. But if you’re going to acquire him, now’s the time.

Evan Almighty debuts

Well, the day has finally arrived, and a bit ahead of schedule. Willy Aybar will be heading to the DL, and that means that Tampa Bay will call up Evan Longoria. He is to be activated for today’s game, so if by some chance he’s available in your league, snap him up pronto. Get him in your lineup, because both scouts and statheads agree that this guy is for real.

Injury: Rafael Soriano goes to the DL

Rafael Soriano has just gone to the DL with elbow tendinitis. It could be a minor glitch, or it could lead to some serious issues later. For now, Peter Moylan looks to get the save opportunities, but if this gets dragged out, keep your eye out for the return of Mike Gonzalez, who used to close very successfully for the Pirates.