Nick Masset: The Reds placed Masset on the 15-day DL on May 19th because of a strain on his side, but it is retroactive to May 11th and he should be able to return as soon as he is eligible. In 14.2 relief innings, Masset has been effective, 1.23 ERA, with nice dominance, 12 K’s, but with poor control, 8 BB’s. Success won’t last if good fortune abandons him, .114 BHIP%. Based on his history, 2007/2008 BB/9’s of 6.0/3.8, don’t count on his control improving.

Hiroki Kuroda: Kuroda, who has been out with a rib injury, tossed 3.2 innings in a Single-A rehab start on Friday. He could be back in the Dodgers rotation as early as June 1st. Kuroda is not going to overpower hitters, 5.7 K/9 in 2008, but if he maintains his control/ground ball approach, 2.1 BB/9 and a 51% GB%, he should have value in all formats.

JJ Putz: Putz is out at least a couple of days with neck stiffness. It is worrisome that Putz is still struggling to regain the pinpoint control that he displayed prior to his injury plagued 2008 season, 2007/2008/2009 BB/9’s of 1.6/5.4/4/7, but what should be more of a concern is that his dominance has dropped so much, 10/3/10.9/6.7, without the control coming back. Until he shows signs of reclaiming his 2007 form, he is a risky play in any format.

Craig Hansen: The Pirates have shut down Hansen due to the neck and back spasms that have been bothering him. The strike out/ground ball package that Hansen showed last year, 6.2 K/9 and a 57% GB% in 46.1 innings, is intriguing, but it won’t translate into success until Hansen dramatically improves his control, an unbelievably high 8.4 BB/9. If for some reason you had Hansen stashed on your reserve list, you can safely drop him now, as it looks like he will be out for a while.

Skip Schumaker: Schumaker went 2-5 with a home run yesterday against the Royals. Without much power, 3 home runs in 138 AB, or speed, 1 for 2 in steals, Schumaker is using a good approach at the plate, 10/16 BB/K and an 88% Ct%, to put up a .297 batting average for the year. As an outfielder he wouldn’t have much fantasy value, but now that he qualifies as a middle infielder, he is worth using in mixed leagues for batting average help.

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