Billy Wagner: Wagner is about 10 days away from beginning a rehab assignment which means he should see action this year. There is some talk that the Mets will try and trade him, but they will have to eat up his salary. When he was healthy last year, Wagner still had the goods to get the job done, 2.30 ERA, 10.0 K/9, and a 1.9 BB/9 in 47 innings. However at the age of 38 and coming of Tommy John surgery, chances are Wagner’s performance will decline, which makes him a risky proposition if he does pitch this season.
Justin Upton: The D’Backs are hoping that Upton can return from his oblique strain injury as soon as he is eligible to come off the DL. Upton, who doesn’t turn 22 until later this month, is already displaying above average power, 20 home runs in 392 AB. If he can get more loft on the ball, 45% GB%, which should happen as his body matures, he could be one of the premier home run hitters in baseball.
Phil Dumatrait: Dumatrait, who is rehabbing in the minors from a shoulder injury, may require at least a few starts before the Pirates bring him back. Already 28 years of age, Dumatrait was not impressive last year, 5.26 ERA, 6.0 K/9, and a 4.8 BB/9 in 78.2 innings. Coming off a shoulder injury, there is no reason to think he will improve on those numbers. You can safely ignore him in all formats.
Jose Ascanio: The Pirates recalled Ascanio from Triple-A to work in long relief. He can strike hitters out, 18 K’s in 15.1 innings with Cubs earlier this year and a 8.2 K/9 in 51.1 Triple-A innings this year. However it will not translate into big league success until he curbs the free passes, 9 with the Cubs and a 3.2 BB/9 in Triple-A.
Chad Durbin: Dubrin, who has been out with a lat strain, is close to being activated. He has always had shaky control, 2007/2008 BB/9’s of 3.6/3.5, but this year it has been much worse, 6.1 K/9. The word out of Philadelphia is that prior to going on the DL, the lat strain was effecting his delivery, so if he is healthy and can get back to last year’s skills set, 6.5 K/9 and a 46% GB%, then he can help in NL-only leagues.
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