J.J. Putz and Chad Cordero To The DL

Let the race for saves begin!

Seattle closer J.J. Putz is headed to the DL indefinitely with rib cartilage inflammation. Washington closer Chad Cordero is headed to the DL with shoulder tendonitits.

Fantasy Impact: Pick up Mark Lowe and Jon Rauch immediately. Both should be solid closer options while they have the job.

Miguel Bautista picked up the save yesterday, but Lowe had pitched the previous 2 days, and he's coming back from elbow surgery. Lowe is without question the best candidate for saves in their bullpen right now, and you might still have a chance at him with Bautista potentially tricking some owners into picking him up instead.

Jon Rauch picked up the save yesterday, and he'll get all the save chances with Cordero sidelined.

Pedro Martinez Leaves Start Early - DL?

New York Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez left his start in the 4th inning last night with a "strained hamstring".

Fantasy Impact: Given Martinez stated that he heard a "twinge or pop", this sounds like it could be serious. It would be a major upset if he didn't land on the DL and miss a few starts, plus there's a definite possibility that this could be a multiple month injury. Owners like myself who drafted Pedro as a 3rd starter or so knew that he wasn't going to pitch 200 innings this year, but to have him injured in his first start is very disappointing. He looked very good in spring training despite topping out in the high 80s with his fastball.

Hopefully he'll only miss a few starts. Keep a close eye on starters while he's out. Each year, many mixed league starters being to emerge in the first month. This year will be no different. The season is too young to call who those pitchers might be, but I'll start name dropping after a couple weeks.